What was the cause of death of two people at the Angel Valley Sweat Lodge?
(AP) — SEDONA, Ariz. – Two people died and an estimated 19 others were taken to hospitals after being overcome while sitting in a sauna-like sweat lodge at a Sedona retreat Thursday night. About 50 people were in a “sweatbox” type structure located at the Angel Valley resort, a facility that provides spiritual retreats, Yavapai County sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn said Friday. Many people began feeling ill after about two hours in the sweat lodge.About 21 people were taken by ambulance or helicopter to area hospitals, where two were pronounced dead, D’Evelyn said. The dead were only identified as a man and woman, both middle-aged. Two people taken to Flagstaff Medical Center were listed in critical condition on Friday. Three others who were admitted to a hospital in nearby Verde Valley recovered quickly; two were released overnight and one was reported in good condition on Friday. Sheriff’s homicide investigators were working to find the cause and determine if any criminal action
Two people died and an estimated 19 others were taken to hospitals after being overcome while sitting in a sauna-like sweat lodge during a Sedona spiritual retreat, authorities said Friday. Sixty-four people were in a crudely constructed sweat dome at the 70-acre Angel Valley resort Thursday evening, Yavapai County sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn said. Many people began feeling ill after about two hours in the sweat box, emerging lightheaded and weak, said Verde Valley Fire District Chief Jerry Doerksen. Authorities haven’t determined the cause of the deaths and illnesses; tests for carbon monoxide and other contaminants were negative. D’Evelyn said authorities were checking into whether any of the attendees had pre-existing medical conditions and the possibility that some of the people might have been fasting. About 21 people were taken by ambulance or helicopter to area hospitals, where two were pronounced dead, D’Evelyn said. The dead were identified only as a man and woman, bot
wo people are dead after becoming ill in a sweat lodge at a retreat center in Sedona. According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 21 retreat participants became ill Thursday at the Angel Valley Retreat Center located off of Highway 89A at Deer Pass Road in Sedona. They were transported to area hospitals where two of them were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn said those injured had been part of a group of 64 people who were inside a “sweat dome” for up to two hours. The structure is framed in a dome-like shape and covered with tarps and blankets. Hot rocks are used with water to create steam in the enclosed environment. The two people who died were a middle-aged man and woman. Their names have not been released. At least one other person remains in critical condition at Verde Valley Medical Center. The incident is still under investigation. Sources:
