A heartbreaking discovery at a Las Vegas hotel in February has left a community mourning the loss of an 11-year-old girl and her mother. Authorities say the pair were found dead after concerns were raised when the child failed to appear at a cheerleading competition. Investigators believe the tragedy was a murder-suicide, though the case continues to raise questions about what happened in the hours before their deaths.
Mother and Daughter Found Dead in Las Vegas Hotel
The victims were identified as Addilyn Smith, 11, and her mother Tawnia McGeehan, 34.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the two were discovered inside a hotel room in Las Vegas on February 15.
Authorities believe McGeehan shot her daughter before taking her own life.
Hotel personnel discovered the bodies during a welfare check after several people raised concerns about the pair.
Cheerleading Coach Requested Welfare Check
Police were first alerted when Addilyn’s cheerleading coach reported that she had not shown up for a competition she was scheduled to attend in Las Vegas.
Addilyn was part of a competitive cheer program in Utah and had traveled to Nevada for the event.
Officers initially went to the hotel room that morning to conduct a welfare check but received no response after knocking on the door.
At that time, investigators said they had no reason to believe the mother and daughter were in danger, so the check was cleared.
Note on Hotel Door Raised Alarm
Later in the day, hotel staff received additional requests for a welfare check.
At around 2:26 p.m., fire officials reportedly told dispatchers they had noticed a note on a door, which led them to suspect a possible suicide attempt.
Shortly afterward, hotel employees entered the room.
Emergency responders later confirmed that both the woman and child had died.
Authorities have not publicly revealed whether the note was attached to the same hotel room where the mother and daughter were staying.
Family Hoping to See the Note
McGeehan’s attorney, James Watts, confirmed that he is aware investigators recovered a note.
However, he said he has not seen the document and does not know what it contains.
According to Watts, the family hopes the note will eventually be released once the investigation allows it.
McGeehan’s mother reportedly wants to understand what her daughter may have written before the tragedy.
Community Mourning Young Cheerleader
Addilyn was remembered as a bright and dedicated athlete within the cheerleading community.
Her team, Utah Xtreme Cheer, shared a tribute on social media after learning of her death.
Coaches and teammates described her as a passionate and hardworking member of the team who took pride in her performances.
A former coach said Addilyn had a strong attitude and determination that suggested she would have gone far in the sport.
Background of Custody Situation
Court records previously cited in reports indicate that McGeehan had temporarily lost custody of her daughter after a divorce from the child’s father in 2017.
However, custody arrangements changed in 2020 when she was granted joint custody.
According to her attorney, McGeehan had since supported Addilyn’s cheerleading activities and travel for competitions.
Investigation Continues
Police have not announced a motive for the shooting.
Investigators continue reviewing the case and evidence, including the note reportedly discovered at the hotel.
Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the deaths.
