Las Vegas tragedy as cheerleader Addi Smith and mother Tawnia McGeehan found dead in suspected Rio Hotel murder suicide

Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith, traveled to Las Vegas for a cheer competition. But the trip ended in heartbreaking tragedy. Police say the Utah mother allegedly shot and killed her young daughter before taking her own life inside a room at the Rio Hotel and Casino. The two were found dead on Sunday after they failed to appear at their scheduled cheer event. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, officers received a request for a welfare check around 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

Police and hotel security knocked on the door many times but got no response. At first, there was not enough legal reason to enter the room. Later, as worries from family and friends kept growing, hotel security returned around 2:30 p.m. When they finally entered the room, they found both McGeehan and Addi dead. Police believe the deaths happened late Saturday night. A note was also discovered inside, though officials did not share what it said. The investigation is still ongoing.

Police say Tawnia McGeehan shot daughter Addi Smith before taking her own life at Rio Hotel and Casino

Investigators believe Tawnia McGeehan, reported to be 38 years old, shot her daughter Addi Smith before turning the gun on herself. Authorities are treating the case as a suspected murder suicide, but they continue to review evidence. No other injuries were reported, and police have not shared further details about the note found in the room.

The mother and daughter had come from Utah to attend a cheerleading competition. When they did not arrive, their team, Utah Xtreme Cheer, asked for help on social media to locate them. After the devastating discovery, the team shared an emotional message on Facebook platform. The statement read, “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.”

The news has deeply affected the cheer community and people who knew the family. What was meant to be a joyful weekend quickly turned into sorrow. Police say the investigation remains active as they continue to confirm details and timeline. Officials have not released more information about possible reasons behind the tragedy.

For now, the focus remains on remembering a young cheerleader whose life ended far too soon and a case that has left many searching for understanding


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