Discovery Turns Everest Project into 'Tragedy' Special

Discovery's "Everest Jump Live" was going to be a huge production. The centerpiece of the event, a wing-suit leap from the summit of the world's highest mountain peak by extreme stunt practitioner Joby Ogwyn, was going to be preceded by several nights of hype-building programming. That was all derailed on April 18, when an avalanche of Everest killed 16 guides. Now the production is being reduced to one special that focuses on the network's production team's view of the tragedy.

The jump and the live special intended to broadcast it were cancelled in the wake of the tragedy, and with the special went plans for an extensive production. The network had planned to air five nights of live programming from Everest leading up to the jump, including reports from personalities from NBC News, NBC Sports and The Weather Channel.

"In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mt. Everest and respect for the families of the fallen, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live," the network said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community."

The production team was already on the mountain on April 18, though, and it captured footage of the avalanche's aftermath. Ogwyn and the production team was never in danger, but three of those killed had been working with Ogwyn.

After it scrapped plans for the jump, Discovery set to work putting together a special program to document the avalanche. "Everest Avalanche Tragedy" will air on Sunday, and it will include interviews with Ogwyn and other witnesses.