SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) — The owners of a resort where two people were overcome in a sweat lodge and later died are asking for prayers in hopes that something positive will come out of what they say was a tragic and unexpected accident.
Angel Valley Retreat Center owners Michael and Amayra Hamilton said in a statement Tuesday that a prayer ceremony has been conducted at the sweat lodge site for the victims, and their friends and families. They say a heart-shaped memorial has been laid with stones for 38-year-old Kirby Brown of Westtown, N.Y., and 40-year-old James Shore of Milwaukee who died Thursday evening.
Nineteen other people were treated for symptoms ranging from dehydration to kidney failure.
The Hamiltons had rented the facility just outside Sedona to self-help expert James Arthur Ray for his five-day "Spiritual Warrior" retreat.
The Yavapai County sheriff's office is investigating to determine if criminal negligence played a role in the deaths or illnesses.
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