MTV Cancels 'Buckwild' After Death of Shain Gandee

Eight days after the unexpected and tragic death of one of its stars, MTV has cancelled the “country” show “Buckwild.”

The show, which featured young West Virginians partying in their own special way, was intended to fill the void left after the end of “Jersey Shore.”

Its first season was a success—but after filming just four episodes for the second season, production ground to a halt after the body of star Shain Gandee was discovered unresponsive in an SUV after missing for 31 hours.

Authorities determined that Gandee, 21, along with his uncle and a friend, were killed by carbon dioxide fumes after their vehicle got stuck in mud with the tailpipe submerged. A cousin close to Gandee speculates that the three got stuck and simply decided to wait until morning to free themselves; however, to stay warm, they left the truck running, not realizing that the tailpipe was covered in mud.

MTV reportedly considered going forth with the show in a “softer” manner, but the final decision came to cancel it entirely.

"We love the cast and the show and this was not an easy decision, but given Shain's tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him," the network said in a statement. "Instead, we are working on a meaningful way to pay tribute to his memory on our air and privately."

MTV plans a "day of programming dedicated to Shain” this weekend, where the entire first season of “Buckwild” will air.

The death of Gandee might not be the only reason that the network decided to pull the plug. Since the show debuted in January there have already been two arrests in the cast—Salwa Amin for drug possession, and Michael Burford for a DUI.