By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-07 15:17:18 | Updated at 2025-01-11 00:10:23
3 days ago
A popular self help author who was blamed for the 'cult-like' sweat lodge deaths of three people has passed away at the age of 67.
The family of James Arthur Ray announced his passing on X last week, saying the author died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' on January 3.
'Obviously, this has left the three of us in total and complete shock. James was always larger than life and lived it to the fullest,' his brother, Jon Ray, wrote.
'His passion in life was always to make others' lives better and more fulfilled. I'm happy to say that he accomplished that thousands of times over,' he continued.
'Thank you, James Arthur Ray. You gave so much. You will always be loved, you will always be missed, you will always be admired, your legacy will live on in everyone you helped, me included.'
The family did not elaborate on the details of his death. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada where Ray was residing, said it had received a death report of a man matching Ray’s name and age.
Ray was convicted of three counts of negligent homicide after the 2009 deaths of Kirby Brown, 38, of New York; James Shore, 40, of Wisconsin; and Liz Neuman, 49, of Minnesota.
The sweat lodge deaths occurred after dozens of people traveled to a scenic retreat just outside Sedona in October 2009 for Ray’s five-day 'Spiritual Warrior' event.
The family of James Arthur Ray announced his passing on X last week, saying the author died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' on January 3. The family did not elaborate on the details of his death
Ray was convicted of three counts of negligent homicide after the 2009 deaths of Kirby Brown (pictured), 38, of New York; James Shore, 40, of Wisconsin; and Liz Neuman, 49, of Minnesota
The sweat lodge was the culminating event, touted as 'hellacious hot' and a chance for participants to have powerful breakthroughs and was the last activity of the retreat.
Participants spent around two hours in the sweat lodge, where temperatures spiked at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
'I could feel it going in my nose and down my throat - actually physically burning the inside of my body as it was going in,' a participant previously said. 'The sounds that were going on in the tent were so intense. People screaming blood-curling screams. There was… wow.'
Brown and Shore died inside the lodge, while Neuman fell into a coma and died in the hospital more than a week later. Eighteen others were also injured.
'He was using cult-like tactics to control and influence people,' Jean, Brown's sister, told AZ Family.
At trial, prosecutors said Ray ratcheted up the heat to dangerous levels, ignored pleas for help, and watched as overcome participants were dragged out of the sweat lodge.
A jury acquitted Ray of more serious manslaughter charges and convicted him of negligent homicide. He received a two-year sentence.
Ray, who had made appearances on Oprah and Larry King, was released from custody in July 2013.
He was sentenced to two years in custody and was released in July 2013. Participants spent around two hours in a sweat lodge, where temperatures spiked at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Brown and Shore were died inside the lodge, while Neuman fell into a coma and later died
Ray had acknowledged that he was responsible for the deaths, but offered no excuses for his lack of action as the chaos unfolded at the sweat lodge.
'Part of the complicated set of emotions that I’m feeling now is a bit of a sense of disappointment that he could have really owned his mistakes and been a part of trying to change the industry for the better,' Jean told AZ Family.
After leaving prison, Ray remained active in the self-help industry.
He frequently posted videos on social media of himself and his wife, Bersabeh Ray, offering advice.
The couple also hosted a podcast, Modern Alchemy, and maintained a website where Ray offered one-on-one video sessions up to 90 minutes for $2,500.
In the wake of Brown’s death, her family established Seek Safely, an organization offering support for those who may be vulnerable to exploitation by the self-help industry.
In a statement on the organization’s website, Brown’s sister, Jean, offered condolences and said Ray was just one of many operators 'in a multi-billion dollar per year industry built on the exploitation of those who would improve their lives and find fulfillment.'
'His passion in life was always to make others' lives better and more fulfilled. I'm happy to say that he accomplished that thousands of times over,' his brother wrote in a tribute
'We can only, at this juncture, remind seekers that no "guru," or program, or mindset is larger than life or without fault,' she wrote.
'That a journey of self-improvement is noble and vulnerable. That we must always remain in charge of that process of growth and change, rooted in our values, our worth, and our right to seek free from harm.'
Jean believes Brown would have been 'feeling a bit relieved' at the news of his passing as he 'wouldn't be able to harm anyone else.'
