RJ’S Leach hospitalized after ‘mini stroke’
Rthe longtime famed celebrity journalist and Las Vegas Review-journal columnist, suffered a transient ischemic attack, also known as a TIA or “mini stroke,” while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, last week. He remains in intensive care at St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s Lima Rehabilitation Facility in Henderson. The incident began Nov. 20, while the 76-year-old Leach was on vacation at Grand Velas resort, according to his son Steve Leach, who lives in Oceanside, California. After learning that his father couldn’t eat or walk without assistance, he swiftly arranged a private flight to bring his father to Las Vegas on Nov. 22.
Leach was taken to St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s Siena Campus immediately upon his return and was admitted to the intensive care unit. On Monday, upbeat and able to speak — albeit quite hoarsely — Leach was transferred to the hospital’s Lima facility to begin hours of daily physical therapy to regain strength and mobility on the right side of his body.
Although his Review-journal column is on hold indefinitely to allow him to focus on his recovery, Leach said he told the medical staff Monday afternoon that he was eager to return to full-time work. “Start the rehabilitation on my right side,” he insisted while leaning back in a hospital bed and wearing a decidedly un-leach-like hospital gown. “I need my right hand to type!”
However, Leach’s son said his father’s condition became more complicated Monday night after a minor procedure resulted in internal bleeding, which required additional treatment and heavy sedation.
The family appreciates the prayers and positive thoughts, but Steve Leach asks that well-wishers refrain from sending his father any flowers or gifts while he remains hospitalized.
“My two brothers (Rick and Greg) and I are extremely encouraged by Robin’s strength and determination to get back to journalism and his two new television shows,” he said. “We are additionally grateful for the continued love and support from the Las Vegas community.”
Leach had completed filming the first season of his Food Network series “Food Quest,” which he co-hosts with model Kim Alexis. The Season One finale, which shows the duo at a Southern California taco restaurant, a tropical resort on Florida’s Captiva Island and a Palm Beach, Florida, mansion, is scheduled to air at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Leach is best-known for his first television show, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” which ran in syndication from 1984 to 1995.
Topper in play
Carrot Top is the latest addition to the Vegas Strong Benefit Concert, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at T-mobile Arena.
The Topper’s participation was made public via a tweet by The Killers that showed him listed along with Imagine Dragons, Boyz II Men, Jay Leno, Blue Man Group, artists from Cirque du Soleil (specifically “Mystere”), David Copperfield and Penn and Teller.
Washington Nationals star and Vegas native Bryce Harper is also set to appear, likely introducing one of the acts.
Event proceeds will go to the Las Vegas Victims Fund through the National Compassion Fund. In addition, people can donate $10 by texting VEGAS to 20222. Donations can also be made anytime at Axs.com.
Tickets are on sale online at Axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849; they cost $75 to $125. In-person purchases are available at any MGM Resorts International box office location or concierge desk.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday:
1. Woman accused of fatal stabbing told Las Vegas police: ‘It’s all my fault’
Melissa Barnes, 30, accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death last week, told Las Vegas police she was responsible for the attack, according to her arrest report.
2. Las Vegas jury convicts man in 2012 murders of girl, mother
Bryan Clay was convicted Tuesday of raping and murdering a mother and her 10-year-old daughter in a bloody 2012 attack that nearly killed the woman’s husband. Prosecuters will seek the death penalty.
3. Las Vegas police investigate armed robbery at Bellagio
Police were called about 3:45 p.m. to the Bellagio after a man carrying a handgun walked up to a poker cage and demanded money.
4. Las Vegas shooting survivors ask, ‘What about us?’
About 150 survivors of the Oct. 1 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting delivered a recurring message at the first of two town hall meetings on Tuesday to discuss payments from the Las Vegas Victims Fund. They asked, “What about us?”
5. Man shot during robbery at central Las Vegas home
A man is expected to survive after he was shot in the leg Tuesday morning during a robbery in a central valley neighborhood near Edna Avenue and Lindell Road. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday:
1. Las Vegas jury convicts man in 2012 murders of 10-year-old girl, mother
Bryan Clay was convicted Tuesday of two counts of murder in the April 2012 beating deaths of Ignacia “Yadira” Martinez and her 10-year-old daughter, Karla, with a claw hammer. Both victims had been raped.
2. Review-journal Reporter Roundtable: Las Vegas Shooting
Rochelle Richards, Nicole Raz and David Ferrara discuss the latest storylines about the Las Vegas Shooting on October 1, including an update on lawsuits as well as the Las Vegas Victims’ fund.
3. Vegas Nation: Raiders beat Broncos in eventful game
Reporters talk about the Raiders 21-10 win over the Broncos, including Michael Crabtree’s fight with Aqib Talib, the team’s first interception and the team’s hopes in the AFC West race.