A Utah mother fatally shot her 11‑year‑old daughter inside a Las Vegas hotel room before taking her own life, police say — a heartbreaking murder‑suicide that unfolded as the child was set to compete in a cheer competition.
On February 16, an online user commented on Tawnia McGeehan’s Facebook page, responding to her most recent post — funeral information for her father, who died in April 2025.
“Where are you and your sweet daughter? I hope y’all are safe,” Heather Weaver wrote under the post, which included a photo of Addilyn “Addi” Smith, 11, visiting her grandfather after a cheer competition in Las Vegas where she had placed first.
Another user replied: “She murdered her daughter then turned the gun on herself. They were found in her hotel room. So sad.”
Missed cheer event
One day earlier, on February 15 around 10:45 a.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMP) responded to a welfare check at the Rio Hotel & Casino involving a mother and daughter reported missing by Utah Xtreme Cheer.
McGeehan, 38, and Addi had traveled from Utah for the cheer competition, but when the girl — the “hype man on the team” — failed to show up, concern quickly grew.
“Officers knocked on the door and called into the room several times but did not get a response. Based on the details at the time, there was no belief that either was in danger and officers cleared,” LVMP said in a press release.
After police left, worry continued to escalate.
Mom shot daughter before shooting herself
According to authorities, hotel security kept receiving calls from anxious family members and team staff urging them to check on the pair.
Acting on those renewed requests, security entered the room around 2:27 p.m.
Inside, ABC4 reports, they found McGeehan and Addi deceased, “both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” LVMP said. “Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.”
“Based on the preliminary evidence at the scene,” police added, “detectives were able to determine the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself.”
‘Completely heartbroken’
The news has devastated Utah Xtreme Cheer, the Salt Lake City–based team Addi proudly represented.
“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “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. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Those who knew Addi described her as full of energy — a young girl who dedicated countless hours to perfecting routines, building friendships, and embracing the joy of performing under bright competition lights.
‘Love and miss you so much, Addi’
Instead of hearing her name announced on a competition floor, teammates and coaches are now sharing tributes.
Kory Uyetake, gym owner for Utah Xtreme Cheer, called Addi “kind of a hype man on the team.”
“She was always the one to get the kids pumped up when things weren’t going their way. She was that positive influence the team needed, always willing to be a leader,” Uyetake told ABC4. “She was an athlete who embodied everything we strive to teach our kids.”
One mother, whose daughter was one of Addi’s “closest friends,” shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook: “Life is so fragile, and our children even more so. Adult decisions should always be made with the best interest of our kids at heart,” Ashley Glass wrote. “Addi was the sweetest girl — daughter, sister, granddaughter, best friend — and a sweet angel on earth who is now an angel in heaven. We love and miss you so much, Addi.”
Custody dispute
A GoFundMe created by a family member to help cover funeral costs describes the shock now gripping the family.
“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 states, noting the donations will support Addi’s father, Brad Smith.
Court records show McGeehan had been involved in a custody dispute with Smith, her ex‑husband, in Utah. However, investigators have not confirmed whether that situation played any role in what happened. Authorities emphasize that the motive remains under investigation.
Officials have not released further details about the note found at the scene.
Anyone struggling with thoughts of self‑harm is encouraged to seek support. Across North America, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.
Please share your thoughts for Addi in the comment section below, and then share this story so we can hear from others.
