PRESCOTT, Ariz. — A New York woman who died after sitting in a sauna-like sweat lodge at a scenic Arizona resort was an avid surfer and hiker who was “in top shape,” took self-improvement seriously and had a passion for art, a family spokesman said.
Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown, N.Y., had no health conditions that would have kept her from participating in an otherwise safe activity, said cousin and family spokesman Tom McFeeley.
“Our only thought is shock, sadness and surprise,” he said.
Brown was one of two people who died Thursday evening after being overcome in a crudely built sweat lodge during a spiritual cleansing ceremony at the Angel Valley Retreat Center. Authorities on Saturday identified the other victim as 40-year-old James Shore of Milwaukee.
One person remained in critical condition Saturday.
Autopsies on Brown and Shore were conducted Friday, but the results weren’t disclosed pending additional tests.
The Associated Press
Numbers
2 Retreat participants died
19 Others suffered from burns, dehydration, respiratory arrest, kidney failure or elevated body temperature
