Published on: February 16, 2026, 04:24h.
Updated on: February 16, 2026, 04:24h.
- A mother tragically took her preteen daughter’s life before ending her own on Saturday night, according to authorities.
- The two from Salt Lake City missed a cheer competition in Las Vegas, leading to a welfare check by friends.
- Authorities discovered a note in their hotel room at the Rio but have not disclosed its contents.
A devastating scene unfolded inside a hotel room at the Rio in Las Vegas on Sunday, where a mother and her daughter were found dead, believed to be the result of a murder-suicide.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reported that Tawnia McGeehan shot her daughter, Addi Smith, before taking her own life late Saturday evening. The pair had traveled from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas for a cheer event scheduled for Sunday morning.
When they failed to appear at the competition, worried family and friends requested an official welfare check. At 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, officers knocked on their hotel door, announcing their presence for over 15 minutes, but received no answer. Lacking sufficient grounds to enter, they alerted hotel security and departed.
Friends and family shared images of the duo on social media asking for assistance, noting they had last been seen on the night of February 14 at the New York-New York hotel. They continued reaching out to Rio security for updates.
Security returned to the hotel room at 2:30 p.m. After several unsuccessful attempts to make contact, they entered the room, where they discovered the tragic scene and immediately called 911.
During a press conference on Sunday evening, police indicated preliminary evidence points to McGeehan having taken her daughter’s life before committing suicide. There were no reports of gunshots from nearby guests or hotel staff, and investigators are working to understand the events that led to this tragic situation.
A note was located inside the room, but authorities have chosen not to reveal its details.
“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our deepest condolences go out to the families involved,” stated LVMPD Lt. Robert Price during local media coverage.
Upon learning of the tragedy, Utah Xtreme Cheer, the team Addi was a part of, expressed their sorrow on Instagram: “Our hearts are shattered. Words cannot adequately describe this situation.”
Utah Fusion All‑Stars, the gym where Addi trained, shared that she would be remembered for her infectious smile and the joy she brought to her teammates and the entire community.