A tragic incident in Las Vegas has left two communities grieving after a Utah mother fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter inside a hotel room before taking her own life, according to police. The heartbreaking murder-suicide unfolded over the weekend of February 15–16 at the Rio Hotel & Casino, where the child had traveled to compete in a cheerleading competition. Authorities with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) confirmed that officers responded to…
A tragic incident in Las Vegas has left two communities grieving after a Utah mother fatally shot her 11-year-old daughter inside a hotel room before taking her own life, according to police.

The heartbreaking murder-suicide unfolded over the weekend of February 15–16 at the Rio Hotel & Casino, where the child had traveled to compete in a cheerleading competition.

Authorities with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) confirmed that officers responded to a welfare check request late Saturday morning after concerns were raised about the mother and daughter’s whereabouts.

The victims were identified as 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter, Addilyn “Addi” Smith.

Concern Begins When Child Misses Competition
According to police, McGeehan and Addi had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas so that Addi could participate in a cheerleading event.

Addi was a member of Utah Xtreme Cheer, a Salt Lake City–based competitive cheer gym where she was described as an energetic and positive presence on her team.

On February 15 at approximately 10:45 a.m., LVMPD officers responded to a welfare check at the Rio Hotel & Casino.

The request was reportedly prompted after Addi failed to appear for her scheduled competition performance. Team members and coaches grew concerned when attempts to reach the mother and daughter were unsuccessful.

Police stated that officers knocked on the hotel room door and called inside several times but received no response.

At that time, officials said there was no immediate indication that either individual was in danger. Without evidence suggesting an emergency, officers cleared the call. However, concern did not subside.

Discovery Inside the Hotel Room
As the day progressed, hotel staff reportedly continued receiving calls from worried family members and individuals associated with the cheer team.

Those close to Addi remained alarmed that she had not appeared at the competition and could not be reached.

Acting on renewed concerns, hotel security personnel entered the room at approximately 2:27 p.m. Inside, they discovered McGeehan and Addi suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

LVMPD confirmed that both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Based on preliminary evidence gathered at the location, detectives determined that the mother shot her daughter before turning the gun on herself.

Police have not released further detailed findings publicly, and authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

Community Shock and Online Reaction
News of the deaths spread quickly through social media, where friends and community members expressed disbelief and sorrow.

One day after the incident, a user posted a concerned comment on McGeehan’s Facebook page beneath a previous post that included funeral information for her father, who had died in April 2025.

The post also featured an image of Addi visiting her grandfather following a prior cheer competition in Las Vegas where she had placed first.

“Where are you and your sweet daughter? I hope y’all are safe,” one commenter wrote, unaware that tragedy had already occurred.

Another social media user later responded with information about the deaths, describing the situation as deeply sad. The online exchanges reflected the shock and confusion that often follow sudden loss, particularly when it involves a child.

Remembering Addilyn “Addi” Smith
Within hours of confirmation, Utah Xtreme Cheer released a public statement mourning Addi’s death.

“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the organization wrote.

“We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family.”

Those who knew Addi described her as vibrant, dedicated, and deeply supportive of her teammates. Coaches and parents say she invested countless hours into perfecting routines, strengthening skills, and building friendships.

Kory Uyetake, gym owner of Utah Xtreme Cheer, spoke publicly about Addi’s personality and presence within the program. He described her as a “hype man on the team,” someone who stepped forward to lift spirits when practices became difficult or competitions felt overwhelming.

“She was always the person to get up there and get the kids pumped up when things weren’t really going their way,” Uyetake told local media outlet ABC4. “She was kind of that positive influence that the team needed — always willing to be a leader.”

He added that Addi embodied the values the gym works to instill in its athletes: teamwork, perseverance, and encouragement.

Instead of hearing her name called out in celebration on a competition floor, teammates are now remembering her through tributes and shared memories.

A Family in Grief
A GoFundMe fundraiser created by a family member describes the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on relatives, particularly Addi’s father, Brad Smith.

“This heartbreaking event has left the family in deep shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Addi in such a way,” the fundraiser reads.

The campaign aims to help cover funeral expenses and support the family as they navigate the aftermath.

Friends and extended family have described Addi as a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. One mother whose daughter was among Addi’s closest friends shared a heartfelt tribute online, emphasizing the fragility of life and the importance of protecting children’s well-being.

“Life is so fragile, and our children even more so,” she wrote. “Adult decisions should always be made with the best interest of our kids at heart.”

The statement echoed a sentiment widely shared throughout the community — grief intertwined with questions and heartbreak.

Custody Dispute Under Review
Court records indicate that McGeehan had reportedly been involved in a custody dispute with her ex-husband in Utah prior to the incident.

However, law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether that situation played any role in the events in Las Vegas.

Authorities continue to stress that the motive remains under investigation. While preliminary evidence supports the conclusion of a murder-suicide, investigators have not publicly disclosed further details, including the contents of any note reportedly found at the scene.

Police have emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed before drawing conclusions about contributing factors.

The Broader Impact
Tragedies involving children often reverberate far beyond immediate family members.

In this case, the impact extends across state lines — from Las Vegas, where the incident occurred, to Utah, where Addi trained, competed, and built close relationships.

For young teammates, processing the sudden loss of a friend can be especially challenging.

Youth sports organizations often provide grief counseling resources in the wake of such events, though specific measures taken by Utah Xtreme Cheer have not been detailed publicly.

Community leaders and mental health advocates frequently encourage open conversations in the aftermath of traumatic events, especially when children are involved.

Support systems — including family, schools, faith communities, and counseling professionals — play a crucial role in helping young people cope with grief.

Law Enforcement Response
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has reiterated that officers initially found no evidence suggesting immediate danger when they first responded to the welfare check.

Only after renewed concern prompted entry into the room were the bodies discovered.

Officials have not indicated that there were prior calls for service involving the individuals at that hotel during their stay.

As with all death investigations, forensic analysis, witness interviews, and evidence review are part of the standard process. Authorities have not announced any further updates at this time.

A Reminder About Mental Health Support
While the exact circumstances and motivations remain under investigation, incidents of this nature often prompt broader conversations about mental health and access to support.

Anyone struggling with thoughts of self-harm or experiencing emotional distress is encouraged to seek help immediately.

In the United States, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988, offering confidential support 24 hours a day.

Mental health professionals emphasize that reaching out for assistance — whether through hotlines, local services, trusted friends, or medical providers — can be a vital step in preventing tragedy.

Honoring a Young Life
As investigations continue, those who knew Addi are choosing to focus on her life rather than the circumstances of her death.

They remember a determined young athlete who loved performing under bright lights, who encouraged teammates when routines felt tough, and who celebrated victories with infectious enthusiasm.

Her coaches describe her as committed and joyful. Her friends describe her as kind and loyal. Her family describes her as deeply loved.

The Las Vegas hotel room where the tragedy unfolded has become, in the minds of many, a place forever linked to loss. But in Utah, where Addi trained and grew, her memory is tied to gym floors, competition stages, and shared laughter.

In moments like these, communities often come together — not only in mourning but in support. Fundraisers, vigils, shared meals, and quiet conversations all become part of the healing process.

While answers about motive may or may not emerge in time, the profound loss felt by those who loved Addi remains undeniable.

Her story serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of compassion, awareness, and support for families navigating difficult circumstances.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials have asked the public to respect the privacy of the grieving family.

And for anyone in crisis, help is available. Reaching out can save lives.