Follow Newser on Twitter   Friend Newser on Facebook
Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Guru at Sweat Lodge That Killed 2: 'I'm Being Tested'

James Arthur Ray says he has hired investigators to probe incident

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2009 8:05 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The self-help guru who ran a spiritual retreat where two people died during a sweat lodge ceremony last week says he is "being tested" by the tragedy. James Arthur Ray told a seminar audience that he is "frustrated and confused" and has hired his own investigators to find out what went wrong. 'This is the most difficult time I've ever faced," he said, breaking down in tears. "I don't know how to deal with it really."

Nineteen people from Ray's "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Arizona were hospitalized after the incident and one remains in a coma. A cousin of one of the dead called upon Ray to prove that participants "were not mistreated and not put in a reckless situation," adding that he suspected Ray of exhibiting a "godlike complex" that may have dissuaded people from opting out of dangerous activities.

Investigators say the sweat lodge structure at the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz. did not have a building permit.
Investigators say the "sweat lodge" structure at the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz. did not have a building permit.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
This undated photo provided by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office shows a sweatbox structure at Angel Valley resort in Sedona, Ariz.
This undated photo provided by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office shows a "sweatbox" structure at Angel Valley resort in Sedona, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Yavapai County Sheriff's Office)
Ray declined to discuss what exactly had happened in the sweat lodge.
Ray declined to discuss what exactly had happened in the sweat lodge.   (YouTube)
A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz., where a heart-shaped stone memorial is set up on the site of a sweat lodge tragedy.
A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz., where a heart-shaped stone memorial is set up on the site of a sweat lodge tragedy.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
bewilderbeast
Oct 15, 2009 9:28 AM CDT
"Poor me!" He should go on Oprah and tell us how he's "being tested"!! WTF? Tragedy is, he''ll carry on duping suckers.
Spudsy
Oct 14, 2009 6:44 AM CDT
I think he meant to say "I'm being sued for everything I own and more."
youngblood
Oct 14, 2009 5:43 AM CDT
More exact Mia it's ALL ABOUT him not losing his Millions of dollars in lawsuits!!
US

 
Arizona • New Age • ceremony • James Arthur Ray • sweat lodge • sweat lodge survivor

More Newser Stories

Self-Help Author Convicted in Sweat Lodge Deaths

Sweat Lodge Deaths Ruled Accidental

Sweat Lodge Guru Sat in Shade as Victims Roasted

Guru Twittered About Sweat Lodge Death

People Still Signing Up for Guru's Sweat Lodges
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne