On October 8, 2009, self help expert James Arthur Ray led 64 people into a sweat lodge dome at a new age “Spiritual Warrior” seminar and over the course of several hours they were part of a spiritual and physical cleansing that involved hot rocks and steam to create a sauna-like experience. They each paid $9,000 for their stay and participation in the program.
Too many people within the dome structure at one time is believed to have resulted in the death of two and the hospitalization of 19 others, who were treated for dehydration, respiratory arrest, elevated body temperature, kidney failure and burns. The dead were identified as James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Kirby Brown, 38, a female from Westtown, New York.
A third victim, Liz Neuman, 49, of Prior Lake, Minnesota died on Saturday in Flagstaff, nine days after suffering multiple organ failure. Attorney Louis Diesel said that the family plans to take legal action against James Arthur Ray in the death of an extremely athletic woman who was in excellent health before attending the seminar. See photos and details here.
Carbon-monoxide has been ruled out as a cause of death. The tarps and makeshift canvas coverings over the structure are being analyzed to determine whether they contained any harmful materials that may have contributed to the deaths and illnesses. The group had been fasting for 36 hours prior to eating a buffet breakfast Thursday morning.
The large group entered the sweat lodge at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon and began exhibiting medical distress several hours later, when help was summoned to the remote site. Patients were transported to Verde Valley Medical Center and Flagstaff Medical Center.
The use of sweat lodges is a part of the culture of several Native American tribes. The seminar was led by Ray at The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Yavapai County near Sedona. The lodge, on 70 secluded acres, was founded by Michael Hamilton and Amayra Hamilton in 2002. Their website describes it as “a place to relax and heal.”
Police executed a search warrant on Friday night looking for evidence of criminal activity. They believe they may have sufficient evidence to consider criminal prosecution. James Ray was questioned initially about similar events held at other venues, but authorities found him to be less than cooperative. They plan to interview him again in the ongoing investigation.
Autopsies were performed on the two victims. Toxicology reports will not be available for several weeks, according to the coroner’s office.
James Ray ‘tweeted’ the following on his Twitter page Friday night: “I’m shocked and saddened by the tragedy occurring in Sedona. My deep heartfelt condolences to family and friends of those who lost their lives.”
He is the President and CEO of James Ray International of Carlsbad, California. The company website indicates that Ray presents seminars to teach individuals how to create wealth in all areas of their lives — financially, mentally, physically and spiritually. He has appeared on Oprah, Larry King Live, and The Today Show. Ray is also the author of Harmonic Wealth, a New York Times bestseller.
UPDATE February 3, 2010 – James Ray was arrested Wednesday after a grand jury indictment charging him with three counts of manslaughter in the deaths of three participants at an Arizona Sweat lodge ceremony he organized. Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh took him into custody at Camp Verde Detention Center. His bond has been set at $5 million.
View more photos – including his booking photo – and video below.