Discovery cancels Everest Jump Live after avalanche deaths

The Discovery Channel is canceling its Everest Jump Live special after an avalanche killed 13 people on Friday. The program, which was to air on May 11, had planned to follow a climber equipped with cameras as he jumped off the world's tallest mountain.

"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," a statement released Sunday from the network read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community."

The Associated Press reports that all of the victims were from Nepal's ethnic Sherpa community, who make a living helping visitors navigate the treacherous mountain. Three people are still missing in what is the deadliest avalanche to ever hit the mountain. An NBC News crew was at the base camp preparing for the special when the avalanche struck, but they were not hurt.

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