Questions surround sweat lodge deaths

(NECN/ABC) – The retreat at the Arizona resort promised to “change your life.” But something went terribly wrong. Sixty-four people were inside a sweat lodge, sitting in sweltering, sauna-like temperatures for a spiritual cleansing ceremony. But participants began to get sick and 911 was called. In the end, 21 people needed medical treatment and a Wisconsin man, and a woman from New York died. Motivational guru James Arthur Ray had rented the facility. Followers paid up to $9,000 to attend the “Spiritual Warrior” retreat. Ray has used the site for events since 2003 and was in the lodge with his students when the problem began. Part of the investigation into the incident will determine if criminal charges should be filed. “We have a long way to go until we can say if there are any criminal violations,” Sheriff Steve Waug said. The sweat lodge is part of the Angel Valley Spiritual Retreat Center run by Michael and Amayra Hamilton. It bills itself as a “natural environment” for self-discovery and health. ABC’s Clayton Sandell reports.