Is it true that Docs in fatal sweat lodge case show past problems?
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Documents released in the investigation of a fatal sweat lodge ceremony show that people lost consciousness and others suffered broken bones at past events led by self-help guru James Arthur Ray, but Ray largely ignored the medical problems that arose. Three people died after an Oct. 8 sweat lodge ceremony that was the highlight of Ray’s five-day “Spiritual Warrior” event at a retreat he rented near Sedona. The Yavapai County sheriff’s office has focused a homicide investigation on Ray, who has made millions of dollars by convincing people his words will lead them to spiritual and financial wealth. In documents released Monday, a man Ray hired to build the sweat lodge told investigators that he was hesitant to assist with the ceremony for a third year because participants previously had emerged in medical distress, and emergency help wasn’t summoned. Theodore Mercer said the latest ceremony was hotter than in years past, but Ray repeatedly told participants, “You are
