Buckwild Canceled by MTV Following Death of Shain Gandee

Following the death of Shain Gandee and subsequent backlash from many around the nation, including a local mayor, MTV has canceled Buckwild.

The reality series, billed as a southern take on Jersey Shore, was a hit last season for the network, averaging 3.2 million viewers per week.

It was halfway through filming Season 2 when the Gandee tragedy took place (the 21-year old died while "mudding," trapped in a buried vehicle and passing away from carbon monoxide poisoning).

"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,” MTV said in a statement, adding that Buckwild: WV to the NYC will air Sunday.

It "was shot before production had begun on Season 2," the network said. "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.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.