Mentalist’s death ruled accidental

The mysterious death of mentalist Jason Scott, one of the original 10 contestants for NBC's "Phenomenon" series a year ago, has been ruled an accident from mixing a pain killer with alcohol.

Scott, 33, died in July at his Summerlin home. His full name was Jason Scott Ogilvie.

The Clark County coroner's office ruled it "alcohol and OxyContin intoxication," Scott's mother, Peggy Santana of Redding, Calif., said by telephone Thursday.

He had been ill after returning from a gig in Boston and joined his girlfriend for drinks the night he died.

He had about 10 beers and two pain pills, which were prescribed, his mother said. The coroner's report found Scott had very low sodium in his system, a sign of dehydration.

"You just can't mix alcohol and prescribed medication, especially if you are sick," said Santana, a registered nurse. "This is just about the saddest thing I've ever dealt with. It's so senseless.

"I bought him a magic kit for a Christmas present when he was 6. I don't think he's had another job (other than magic). He would never give in. It's what he wanted to do."

Scott's career was taking off. He had left a regular gig with the House of Blues to perform at the Playboy Club. He was hired in 2007 to perform at filmmaker Steven Spielberg's birthday party. His last performance was at a party for Sting.

ROOM RATES PLUNGING

More signs of declining times: Room rates have fallen dramatically since the economic downturn.

Rooms at Bellagio are going for $149; $110 at Mandalay Bay, $90 at MGM Grand, $69 at Treasure Island, and $60 at Monte Carlo and Luxor.

Excalibur is offering $42 deals, and Circus Circus has rates starting at $37.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Bette Midler will be appearing at Krave nightclub on Monday between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at a Barack Obama rally, it was announced Thursday. ...

The Travel Channel is in town filming episodes for the "Vegas Revolution," a six-episode series that begins airing Nov. 13. Wednesday's filming took place at Simon at Palms Place. Other restaurants being featured include the Peppermill, Wolfgang Puck's CUT at The Palazzo, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace and Puck's Postrio (Venetian) and Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars).

SIGHTINGS

"America's Got Talent" host Jerry Springer and many of the show's favorite contestants, including 2008 winner Neal E. Boyd, arriving just before the curtain came up Wednesday at Terry Fator's show (Hilton). Fator won the 2007 competition. The "America's Got Talent" delegation is performing tonight at MGM Grand. ... The Killers rock group, being interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine during dinner Wednesday at Hugo's Cellar (Four Queens). The group's music video for their single "Human," came on iTunes Thursday. Siegfried & Roy's cats make a cameo. ... Tyra Banks, dining with her sister and friends Wednesday in a private cabana at Bartolotta. Banks attended "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" on Thursday. ... Las Vegan Tommy Armour III and fellow PGA Tour vet Pat Perez, dining at SushiSamba (Palazzo) on Wednesday. ... Verne "Mini Me" Troyer, racing through McCarran International Airport on Wednesday in his souped-up scooter. ... "Laugh-In" star Ruth Buzzi and satirist "Kinky" Friedman, among a group at the Donny & Marie show (Flamingo) on Wednesday. They had attended a fundraiser for Judge Don Mosley. ... Antonio Tarver and his wife, Denise, dining at Café Martorano (Rio) on Wednesday) while watching "Rocky Balboa" on a plasma screen. Tarver played Rocky's rival in the film.

THE PUNCH LINE

"After almost eight years of marriage, Madonna and director Guy Ritchie are getting a divorce. Her lawyer cited irreconcilable differences. His says that he's just sick of the fake British accent." -- Jimmy Kimmel

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.