MTV Cancels Reality Series BUCKWILD Following Cast Member Death

MTV has cancelled production on the second season of its reality series BUCKWILD following the death of cast member Shain Gandee last week. However the network may air a special episode featuring footage which was shot prior to the 21-year-old's April 1 passing.

Production on the series was immediately halted last Monday when Gandee's body, along with two others, were found near Sissonville, West Virginia.

Here's the statement MTV released today:

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.

On Sunday, we will be running a special "BUCKWILD: WV to the NYC," which was shot before production had begun on season two. With the support of his parents, Dale and Loretta Gandee, we will run the tribute following a day of programming dedicated to Shain in which we will air the entire first season of "BUCKWILD".

"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," said Loretta Gandee.

The series, which premiered on MTV on January 3, 2013, followed the exploits of nine friends in small town Sissonville, West Virginia, as they fight, drink, four-wheel, dive in mud puddles and generally tear things up while following their simple credo: "Whatever happens, happens."

The show premiered on January 3, 2012 to 2.49 million viewers and a 1.4 rating over its back-to-back episodes. The reality series delivered 1 million viewers more than the 1.375 million who watched the 2009 premiere of Jersey Shore. MTV had ordered a sophomore season of the show on February 6.

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