Man Says Sweat Lodge Left Lingering Health Issues
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) -- A man who says he has lingering health effects from an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony that turned deadly will resume testimony Wednesday in a self-help author's manslaughter trial.
Stephen Ray told jurors a day earlier that he tried to crawl out of the heated structure in October 2009 but woke up to find himself in a hospital. He says he now has no sense of taste or smell, ringing in his ears, and trouble sleeping and recognizing people he knows.
James Arthur Ray led the ceremony that resulted in the deaths of three people. He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges.
Stephen Ray is unrelated. He says he set aside his unease over sweat lodges because he trusted James Arthur Ray and believed he would keep the participants safe.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
