Anderson Cooper | BIO
AC360° Anchor

Editor's Note: Tune in tonight for more on James Arthur Ray from one of his former employees, and watch Gary Tuchman's report below on a death 12 weeks before the sweat lodge incident. AC360° 10 p.m. ET.

Two people died and were 19 injured after spending up to two hours inside this sweatbox at an Arizona resort.

James Arthur Ray

For me, for the families and friends of the sick and deceased and for many people who believe in the important work we do, these have been the most difficult ten days of our lives.

People are throwing out accusations and disparaging me and our mission. Yet despite that, and despite considerable criticism, I have chosen to continue with my work. It's too important not to. One of the lessons I teach is that you have to confront and embrace adversity and learn and grow from it. I promise you I am doing a lot of learning and growing. I have taken heat for that decision, but if I chose to lock myself in my home, I am sure I would be criticized for hiding and not practicing what I preach.

Read More...

Self-help author James Arthur Ray has hired investigators to investigate three deaths at an Arizona sweat lodge.

AC360°

A woman who was inside a "sweat lodge" at an Arizona retreat where three people died this month described people vomiting and screaming.

"Everybody was throwing up everywhere. There was spitting going on. ... People were so disoriented they were screaming at one point," said Beverly Bunn of Texas.

Three people died after spending time in the sweat lodge October 8 and nearly 20 others were injured. Two were pronounced dead shortly after they arrived at a local hospital and a third died October 17 after being hospitalized since the incident.

Bunn described a scene of horror and confusion inside the dome-like structure, which was covered with tarps and blankets and had hot rocks and water inside to create steam.

Keep Reading...

The sweat lodge in Sedona, AZ organized by James Arthur Ray.

Ismael Estrada
AC360° Producer

At 6:30 pm on Wednesday night, people were lining up at the Heritage Ballroom inside the Antlers Hilton in Colorado Springs. About 125 people filled the ballroom to listen to James Arthur Ray. He was here to sell and promote his beliefs, teaching people how to “enrich their lives and their pocket book in the process.”

Gary Tuchman and I were there for another reason. We were trying to speak with Ray about a homicide investigation surrounding the deaths of three people at a sweat lodge Mr. Ray organized and attended in Sedona, AZ two weeks ago.

Authorities at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office say they would like to speak with Ray about his involvement in the sweat lodge ceremony and have said the incident is now considered a homicide investigation. Family members of those who died also say they would like to speak with him. While he may not be talking to them, Ray has kept very busy, sticking with his schedule -  stopping at various cities across the country over the past two weeks trying to drum up business.

Keep reading