Following the accidental death of Shain Gandee, MTV has canceled Buckwild. In a statement Wednesday, the network said it felt that “it was not appropriate to continue without him.”
“After careful consideration, MTV will not be moving forward with season two of ‘Buckwild’ in West Virginia. 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,” the statement said.
MTV will air a special, "Buckwild: WV to the NYC," on Sunday. It was shot before season 2 filming began. Shain’s mother Loretta said the family is “happy to share some of his last moments” with fans. "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. 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,” Loretta said.
On Tuesday, Buckwild producer J.P. Williams said MTV initially decided to move forward with filming the rest of season 2. The green light was given last Friday, but then on Tuesday MTV said they were canceling the series. "There was no explanation," said Williams.
"This is the network that has shows about teen pregnancy. They'll stick by a show that allows you to abandon a child, but a kid dies by accident doing what he does for a living [mudding] and they cancel the show?” snapped Williams. He was referring to hit shows 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom.
“There's something that smells of s--- here on every level,” he said.
Williams said he may make a Buckwild film with the 9 remaining cast members. "My job is to protect these kids," he added. "This will get ugly."
Gandee was found dead in his Bronco on April 1 along with his uncle David Gandee and close friend Robert Myers. The men were apparently attempting to go “muddin” when the vehicle got stuck in mud alongside a remote road in Sissonville, West Virginia. Mud blocked the tailpipe and forced toxic fumes into the vehicle. All three men died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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