Update, Wednesday 9:56 a.m.: MTV confirmed Tuesday morning that it is not going forward with a second season of its reality series "Buckwild" little more than a week after the death of cast member Shain Gandee, saying that it "was not appropriate" to continue the show in light of the tragedy.
The network also noted that it was "not an easy decision" to pull the plug on the series.
"After careful consideration, MTV will not be moving forward with season two of 'Buckwild' in West Virginia," the network said in a statement to MTV News. "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. Instead, we are working on a meaningful way to pay tribute to his memory on our air and privately."
On Sunday, the network will air a day of programming dedicated to Gandee, culminating in the special "Buckwild: WV to the NYC," which was filmed prior to the beginning of production on Season 2 of the show. The special, airing at 8 p.m., will chronicle the meeting of the "Buckwild" crew with Charlamagne and Lil Duval, stars of MTV2's "Guy Code," who dropped in on Gandee and his castmates in their West Virginia stomping grounds before bringing them to New York City to see the sights.
Gandee's mother, Loretta Gandee, called her son "an incredible, outgoing and positive person," adding, "We are honored that we were able to let the world see what a wonderful son we had."
“Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time for our family. We have truly felt all the love and know that Shain is resting peacefully," the elder Gandee said. "Shain was an incredible, outgoing, and positive person who was loved by whoever he met. We are honored that we were able to let the world see what a wonderful son we had. He was the best son anyone could ask for. As we look to honor him in our lives every day moving forward, we are happy to share some of his last moments doing what he loved best: having fun and making people laugh."
Previously…
MTV has pulled the plug on its reality show "Buckwild," a week after the death of series star Shain Gandee.
The show suspended production on its second season after Gandee's death. Gandee, along with his uncle David Gandee and a third person, Donald Robert, were found dead in West Virginia on April 1. According to reports, Shain and Gandee were last seen alive in a Sissonville, W.Va bar at approximately 3 a.m. on March 31, and said that they were going off-roading in Shain's Ford Bronco.
Also read: MTV 'Buckwild' Star Shain Gandee Died of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The trio were later found dead in the vehicle, which was partially submerged in mud, with the muffler fully submerged in mud. According to an autopsy report, the trio died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The manner of death was ruled as accidental.
MTV said that it was "shocked and saddened" by Gandee's death.
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“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Shain Gandee, and those involved in this tragic incident," the network said in a statement on MTV.com. "We are waiting for more information but at this time, our main concern is for the Gandee family and their friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Shain had a magnetic personality, with a passion for life that touched everyone he met and we will miss him dearly.”