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Published October 12, 2009, 07:44 PM

Arizona sweat lodge where two died lacked permit

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say a sweat lodge outside Sedona, Ariz., where two people were overcome and later died lacked the necessary building permit.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say a sweat lodge outside Sedona, Ariz., where two people were overcome and later died lacked the necessary building permit.

Yavapai County's building safety manager said Monday there's no record of an application or permit for a temporary structure at the Angel Valley Retreat Center.

Between 55 and 65 people attending a ``Spiritual Warrior' program hosted by self-help expert and author James Arthur Ray were crowded into the 415-square-foot space at any one time during a two-hour period Thursday night. Nineteen other people also became ill, and one remains in critical condition.

Authorities say they believe Ray's staff either participated in erecting the structure or oversaw the construction.

Ray's spokesman says the resort's staff was under contract to build the sweat lodge. He declined to comment on whose responsibility it was to get the permit.

The Angel Valley Retreat Center didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.

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