PHOENIX – Motivational speaker and author James Arthur Ray is canceling his remaining 2009 seminars in the wake of three deaths that occurred after a sweat lodge ceremony he led this month in northern Arizona.
Ray announced on his blog on Thursday that he needs to dedicate all his "physical and emotional energies" to bringing closure to the matter.
Ray is the subject of a criminal investigation by Arizona authorities looking into the Oct. 8 sweat lodge ceremony at a high-priced retreat outside Sedona.
SLIDESHOW: Arizona Sweat Lodge Deaths
Besides the three deaths, 18 others among more than 55 people inside the sweat lodge were hospitalized. No charges have been filed.
Ray has not spoken to Yavapai County investigators, but says he is cooperating fully and writes that he is "helping the authorities and the families get to the bottom of what happened."
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