(UPDATE): Synchronicity Foundation leader describes India attacks

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UPDATE: 3:35 p.m., 12/2/2008:
FABER, Va. (AP) — The leader of Virginia meditation group that was in Mumbia, India, during the recent attacks says identifying the remains of two followers was one of the most challenging things he has ever had to do.

Master Charles Cannon described the bloodshed and war zone-like hotel that was attacked to reporters Tuesday at the group’s sanctuary in Virginia.

Cannon says he had to step over bodies and pools of blood to identify Alan Scherr, 58, and his 13-year-old daughter, Naomi. They were killed at the luxury Oberoi hotel nearly a week ago. The Scherrs were among at least six Americans killed in the attacks.

Cannon was leading about 25 followers on a spiritual pilgrimage to India. The 63-year-old is the founder of the Synchronicity Foundation and a trained yogi.

-Associated Press

Tuesday, 12/02/2008, 10:16 a.m.:

The leader of the Nelson County spiritual community that lost two members in the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, last week -- and who survived by barricading himself in a hotel room -- is scheduled to speak today at the group’s headquarters.

Master Charles Cannon is scheduled to meet with reporters at 2 p.m. at the Synchronicity Foundation’s grounds in Faber.

Alan Scherr, 58, the foundation’s spokesman and a vice president, and his 13-year old daughter Naomi were killed in the attacks that began Wednesday. They died when gunmen entered the café of the Oberoi Hotel, where they were staying, and began shooting.

The Scherrs were eating after a Synchronicity program and were in India on a spiritual pilgrimage. Four other people associated with the foundation who were in the café were wounded.

Kia Scherr, Alan Scherr’s widow and Naomi’s mother, may appear at the news conference along with another survivor, according to the Associated Press.

In a statement posted to the group’s Web site Monday, Cannon thanked everyone for their “love and support in the midst of this most tragic experience.”

“As I write these few words, tears fall from my eyes,” Cannon said.

The most seriously wounded victim from the foundation, Michael Rudder, a stage actor from Montreal, was to have surgery Monday to remove a bullet from his abdomen and is expected to remain in Mumbai for two months to recover, the foundation’s Web site reported Sunday.

Two others with Synchronicity, Rudrani Devi and Linda Ragsdale, of Nashville, both had successful surgeries for their injuries and will spend another week recovering before returning home. Another woman with the group, Helen Connolly of Toronto, was released after being treated for her injuries and is expected to return to Canada soon.

The bodies of Alan and Naomi Scherr are on the way back to the United States and a memorial service will be scheduled at a future date. Scherr, a former professor, edited books for the spiritual community.

Nelson County Board of Supervisor Member Connie Brennan said she had known Alan Scherr for seven years and called him “friendly and outgoing.”

“He was always so wonderful,” Brennan said. “He’s one of those people who, when you heard his voice, you just felt happy.”

Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks said on Monday that deputies would provide security for the news conference and said the loss of the father and daughter was “tragic.”

“It’s a sad day for everyone,” Brooks said. “You’re right here at the holidays. It’s a loss to the community.”

A Web site, www.alanandnaomi.com, was established Friday in memory of the Scherrs. As of Monday night, more than 800 messages had been posted.

ORIGINAL: The bodies of two Nelson County residents killed in last week’s Mumbai terrorist attack will be returned home and plans for a memorial service are being made, according to a message on the Synchronicity Foundation’s Web site.

Alan Scherr, 58, and his 13-year-old daughter Naomi, were on a retreat with members from the spiritual community in Mumbai and were killed at the Oberoi Hotel when it was attacked.

The spiritual community’s leader Master Charles Cannon and all members of the Synchronicity delegation who were not at the restaurant where the Scherrs died were released uninjured and were transported to safety, the Web site said. They will be returning to their home countries soon.