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Sweat-Lodge Deaths Seen as Homicide

Self-help expert James Arthur Ray now 'person of interest' in investigation

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2009 8:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Authorities are now treating as homicide the two deaths during a sweat-lodge ritual in Arizona last week, with the self-help guru who was in charge of the proceedings being called a “person of interest.” Investigators have found “indications” the deaths weren’t accidental, but wouldn’t explain. They searched the California offices of Oprah Winfrey-endorsed James Arthur Ray yesterday; Ray remains in California, the Republic reports.

A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.
A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.   (AP Photo)
The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.
The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.   (AP Photo)
James Arthur Ray has made multiple appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, his web site says.
James Arthur Ray has made multiple appearances on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," his web site says.   (JamesRay.com)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
zackmasson
Oct 16, 2009 5:02 AM CDT
Dude fucking finish people have saunas at temperature you cook your turkey in. Crazy hot.
NxBigmouthery
Oct 16, 2009 4:17 AM CDT
So death by misadventure doesn't exist anymore in certain parts of the world?
divetrader
Oct 16, 2009 4:14 AM CDT
They must have released the cord. I always heard if you release the tether that brings you back to your body, you are gone. I actually did a sweat lodge once. The heat was so intense at one point that I had all my clothes off and was hugging the ground to try find coolness. I reached my breaking point and crawled out of the lodge. Overall though, it was a fun and interesting experience. With improper supervision or with devious intentions, this can easily become deadly.

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Third Sweat-Lodge Victim Dies


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