Survivor: Days of Fasting Before Sweat Lodge Disaster

Self-help guru James Arthur Ray ignored pleas to help those collapsing

By Will McCahill, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2009 7:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – Participants in the fatal Oct. 8 sweat-lodge ceremony had already been through five days of fasting and sleep deprivation, a survivor says—and the self-help guru leading the proceedings saw their gasping, vomiting and fainting as signs of weakness and urged them to push on through it. No charges have been brought against James Arthur Ray by Arizona authorities, but Beverly Bunn’s interview with the AP hints that they have damning evidence.

“I can’t get her to move. I can’t get her to wake up,” Bunn recalls hearing of one of the 50 participants. “Leave her alone, she’ll be dealt with in the next round,” was Ray’s alleged response. Bunn, 43 also says no drugs or alcohol were used in the ceremony, and that nobody was physically forced to stay: “It was all about mind over matter, you're stronger than your body.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

This picture shows the road leading to the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz. (AP Photo)

This undated photo provided by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office shows a "sweatbox" structure at Angel Valley resort in Sedona, Ariz. (AP Photo)

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These people, including myself were really just searching for a better way to live and a better life. And I commend us for that. - Beverley Bunn, sweat lodge survivor

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

easterner

Oct 22, 2009 12:43 PM CDT

that nobody was physically forced to stay: OH REALLY !! Maybe this just might have something to do with it ..."already been through five days of fasting and sleep deprivation,"

OWLWOMANXXXX

Oct 22, 2009 12:42 PM CDT

It was a ceremony used by Native Americans,Vikings and Celts for centuries....They knew it was dangerous but learned correct procedures through trial and error.....maybe those poor souls should have seeked out more experienced practitioners if they wanted to do this........mmmmmmmmmmmsad but stupid....the first thing those ancient rites teacn is to know and listen to your body

DeniseVB

Oct 22, 2009 12:21 PM CDT

Ditto.

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Associated Press (Source Grid »)

Crime & Courts • Health • US

drugs • alcohol • Arizona • sleep deprivation • fasting • James Arthur Ray • sweat lodge • Sedona • Angel Valley Retreat Center • Beverley Bunn • sweat lodge survivor

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Survivor: Days of Fasting Before Sweat Lodge Disaster