By Therese Grinceri
Early on the morning of April 18, Joby Ogwyn was in his tent at base camp on Mount Everest when he heard a thundering noise.
“I unzipped the back of my tent, and I actually saw the avalanche cover all the guys that were in there, including my guys,” Ogwyn said.
The avalanche claimed the lives of 16 sherpas, who were preparing ropes for the day’s climb.
Ogwyn was on the mountain to make the first wingsuit flight from the summit. An NBC News team was there to broadcast the jump live. Instead, the crew started rolling cameras to capture the aftermath of the deadliest disaster ever to strike the mountain. This Sunday at 9pm ET, the Discovery Channel will air a documentary about the events before the avalanche and the heartbreaking result.
The Discovery Channel will be contributing to the American Himalayan Foundation Sherpa Family Fund, which gives 100% of all donations to help families of the deceased.
To make a contribution, please visit globalgiving.org
The Cycle Staff