MILWAUKEE - The motivational speaker charged in the death of a Bay View man and two others was in court on Thursday in Arizona. James Ray pled not guilty to manslaughter charges. The victims died in a sweat lodge in Arizona.

One of the survivors from the lodge now says James Shore, the Bay View man who died after collapsing in the lodge, gave his life to save her and others.
 
It was supposed to be a healing sweat lodge ceremony at a self-help seminar. James Shore came to kick his smoking and caffeine habits. About an hour in, something went wrong. People started collapsing and vomiting. Shore dragged a woman who passed out to safety.
 
Matt Collins of Milwaukee has known James for more than 25 years. He's not surprised by what James did.
 
"Absolutely indicative of the kind of person James is. He was a fantastically giving, loving, compassionate person," Collins said.
 
James could have escaped. Instead, he went back in to the lodge. Friends think it was to save others. James collapsed in the lodge and later died.
 
"That he would give up his life to save someone doesn't surprise me in the least," said Collins.
 
Self-help guru James Ray is facing manslaughter charges for allegedly discouraging sick people from leaving the sweat lodge. While nothing can bring James Shore back, his friends take some comfort that his story of heroism is finally being told.
 
"James found himself in that circumstance, and he did what any hero would do. He paid for it with his life," Collins said.
 
The woman rescued by Shore will survive, though her daughter says she has damage to her lungs and eyesight.
 
A fund has been set up to help with education costs for James Shore's three surviving children.
 
You can make checks payable to:

Shore Children Education Fund
c/o Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home
10121 W. North Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI 53266