Las Vegas, Nevada — A tragic incident unfolded at a hotel here when a mother reportedly took the life of her 11-year-old daughter before turning the gun on herself. Authorities have identified the victims as Tawnia McGeehan, 34, and her daughter Addilyn Smith, who was affectionately known as Addi. Both hailed from West Jordan, Utah.
The Salem Police Department revealed that Addi was the niece of one of its officers. Her death has sent shockwaves through the community, with competitive cheer teams she belonged to, such as Utah Xtreme Cheer and Utah Fusion All-Stars, mourning her loss. The alarm was raised when friends noted that Mother and daughter had missed a cheer competition, prompting the circulation of a missing persons flyer.
On Sunday morning, a welfare check was requested by concerned individuals when McGeehan and Addi had not been seen. Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police attempted to make contact with the pair by knocking and calling out for over 15 minutes with no response. They departed after alerting hotel security.
Approximately four hours later, security personnel re-entered the room and discovered both bodies. Evidence suggests McGeehan shot her daughter before taking her own life. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event, with a note left behind in the room, though details about its content have not been disclosed.
The relationship between McGeehan and Addi’s father, Bradley Smith, was marked by legal battles. Court documents indicate an ongoing custody dispute that began after the couple divorced in 2015. Over the years, the case evolved with increasing tension regarding child support and Addi’s education.
In 2020, a judge assessed McGeehan’s parenting behaviors, noting instances of domestic abuse and parental alienation affecting Addi. Consequently, due to concerns regarding Addi’s well-being, the court awarded temporary sole physical custody to Smith and mandated that McGeehan’s visits be supervised.
Current court records remain sealed, preventing clarity about Addi’s custody status at the time of her death. Her uncle, Greg Smith, appealed for financial support through a GoFundMe campaign aimed at assisting with funeral arrangements and supporting Bradley Smith during this devastating period. He expressed the profound grief resonating within the family, emphasizing the emotional toll Addi’s sudden passing has had on them.
As the community grapples with this loss, mental health resources are available 24/7 for anyone struggling with emotional distress. The Lifeline network can be reached at 988, offering support through calls, texts, and online services.
This is an evolving story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.