The tragic murder-suicide that claimed the lives of 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter Addi Smith in a Las Vegas hotel room has taken on new layers of heartbreak with revelations from family members and court records. Just months after emerging victorious in a bitter, decade-long custody battle, McGeehan—described by loved ones as a devoted mother deeply committed to her child’s cheerleading pursuits—fatally shot Addi before turning the gun on herself at the Rio Hotel & Casino on February 15, 2026.

The pair had traveled from Utah to participate in a competitive cheer event with Utah Xtreme Cheer, a team where Addi shone as a talented, enthusiastic athlete. The weekend promised routines, performances, and team camaraderie, but when McGeehan and Addi missed their scheduled appearances Sunday morning, alarm spread quickly. Teammates and coaches attempted contact without success, leading to a welfare check request. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers arrived around 10:45 a.m., knocked repeatedly, and left after receiving no response. Hotel security later entered the room around 2:30 p.m. and discovered the bodies, both with gunshot wounds. Investigators determined McGeehan had shot her daughter the previous night before taking her own life. No third-party involvement was found, and the case was ruled a murder-suicide.

Court documents reveal the intense legal fight that preceded the tragedy. McGeehan and ex-husband Brad Smith divorced in 2015, sparking nearly nine years of contentious custody proceedings over Addi. Early temporary orders granted McGeehan primary physical custody, with Smith receiving visitation and joint legal rights. Over time, tensions escalated. In 2020, a judge temporarily awarded Smith sole custody, citing concerns that McGeehan’s actions bordered on parental alienation and that she had committed domestic abuse in Addi’s presence. The ruling noted Smith demonstrated a better understanding of the child’s needs at that point.

McGeehan fought back. In 2021, she sought a temporary restraining order against Addi’s stepmother, McKennly Smith, alleging unauthorized recording of custody exchanges—a claimed violation of court agreements. The disputes continued until 2024, when the former couple reached a settlement: joint legal and physical custody with a week-on, week-off schedule. Handovers were ordered outside Addi’s school, with cars parked five spaces apart to minimize conflict. McGeehan retained significant decision-making authority in many areas, marking what appeared to be a hard-won resolution after years of strain.

Family members close to McGeehan have shared that she had struggled with depression throughout her life but seemed to be improving in recent months—particularly after securing the joint custody arrangement. Relatives described her as someone who adored Addi and poured her energy into supporting her daughter’s cheer passion, viewing the sport as a shared joy. Yet underlying mental health challenges persisted, reportedly worsening under accumulated pressures. Sources indicate McGeehan had received “mean” texts from one or two other cheer moms in the days leading up to the trip, blaming Addi or escalating minor team conflicts. Her mother suggested a confrontation in the waiting room the day before may have contributed to a downward spiral.

Addi’s stepmother, McKennly Smith, played a visible role in the initial response. Upon learning the pair was unaccounted for, she posted a missing persons flyer on social media, referring to Addi as “my daughter” and pleading for information. The post, featuring a smiling photo of Addi and McGeehan, reflected the close bond McKennly had built with her stepdaughter despite the ongoing parental tensions.

The cheer community has been devastated. Utah Xtreme Cheer mourned Addi as a cherished family member whose positivity and skill left an indelible mark. Tributes flooded social media: photos of her competing, laughing in uniform, embracing teammates. Gyms nationwide held moments of silence, wore ribbons in her honor, and shared memories of her infectious energy. The sport’s close-knit nature amplified the grief, turning what should have been a celebratory weekend into one of profound sorrow.

This case has ignited urgent conversations about mental health in competitive youth sports. The demands of travel, performance pressure, and parental involvement can compound existing struggles. Advocates stress recognizing signs—behavioral changes, isolation, hopelessness—and ensuring access to counseling, crisis support, and open dialogue. Experts note that crises can escalate quietly, even among outwardly dedicated parents, underscoring the need for proactive resources.

Police continue examining procedural details, including the firearm’s origin, but the motive appears tied to McGeehan’s untreated mental health issues rather than external threats. A note found at the scene offered some insight into her despair, though full contents remain private.

As Utah’s cheer world heals, the focus remains on compassion for those grieving. Addi’s legacy endures through memories of her talent, kindness, and joy on the mat. The tragedy reminds everyone that hidden battles deserve attention and empathy, and that support systems must extend beyond the competition floor.