The chilling discovery of a suicide note left behind in a Las Vegas hotel room has provided investigators with insight into the motive behind a devastating murder-suicide that claimed the lives of 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter Addi Smith. The pair, who had traveled from Utah for a cheerleading competition, were found dead in their room at the Rio Hotel & Casino on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in what authorities have confirmed as a case where the mother fatally shot her child before turning the gun on herself.

The tragedy unfolded during what was supposed to be an exciting weekend for Utah Xtreme Cheer, a competitive all-star team based in Salt Lake City. Addi, a bright and enthusiastic member of the squad, had been looking forward to performing alongside her teammates. The family checked into the hotel near the competition venue, but when the team gathered Sunday morning for events, McGeehan and Addi failed to appear. Repeated attempts to reach them went unanswered, prompting coaches and fellow parents to raise the alarm. A welfare check was requested, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the room around 10:45 a.m. They knocked repeatedly and called out, but received no response and initially left without forcing entry. Hours later, around 2:30 p.m., hotel security gained access and discovered the bodies, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Homicide detectives quickly determined the sequence of events: McGeehan had shot her daughter sometime the previous night—likely Saturday—before taking her own life. No third-party involvement was suspected, and the case was classified as a murder-suicide with no ongoing threat to the public. A note recovered from the scene proved instrumental in understanding the motive, though police have released only limited details to protect the investigation and the family’s privacy.

According to sources familiar with the case, the note reflected deep emotional turmoil, expressing profound despair, feelings of hopelessness, and a distorted belief that ending both their lives was an act of mercy or protection from perceived unbearable suffering. The contents reportedly conveyed McGeehan’s internal struggles—intense pain, overwhelming anxiety, and a sense that she could no longer cope or provide for her daughter amid her deteriorating mental state. While not explicitly detailing every factor, the message aligned with family accounts of her recent severe mental health decline, including symptoms consistent with untreated or inadequately managed depression and other serious conditions.

The note’s revelations have added layers of sorrow to an already heartbreaking story. Relatives described McGeehan as a devoted mother who loved Addi fiercely, yet one who had been battling significant mental health challenges in the months leading up to the trip. These struggles reportedly intensified, possibly exacerbated by ongoing personal stressors, including a long-standing and contentious custody dispute with Addi’s father, Brad Smith, following their 2015 divorce. Court documents from the case highlighted periods of high conflict, including allegations of domestic violence that had temporarily affected custody arrangements. Friends noted that recent pressures—potentially tied to the custody issues, co-parenting tensions, or other life strains—had pushed her to a breaking point.

The cheer community, still reeling from the loss, has focused on honoring Addi’s memory while grappling with the unimaginable circumstances. Utah Xtreme Cheer issued a heartfelt statement calling Addi a cherished part of their family, whose positivity and talent touched everyone. Teammates shared photos of her competing, laughing, and embracing the sport she loved, emphasizing her kindness and the light she brought to practices and events. Across the country, cheer gyms and athletes wore blue ribbons or held moments of silence in tribute, underscoring the close-knit nature of the sport and the profound impact of such a loss.

The incident has prompted difficult but necessary discussions about mental health in high-pressure environments like competitive youth sports. Cheerleading demands rigorous training, frequent travel, performance anxiety, and parental involvement that can sometimes amplify stress. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing warning signs—changes in behavior, withdrawal, expressions of hopelessness—and ensuring access to support resources for parents and athletes alike. Mental health experts have noted that crises can escalate quietly, even among those who appear outwardly functional, and that early intervention through counseling, crisis lines, or community support can make a difference.

Police continue to investigate procedural aspects, including how the firearm was obtained and transported, but the motive appears rooted in the mother’s untreated mental illness rather than external conflict or foul play. The note, while providing clarity on her mindset, has not been fully disclosed publicly to avoid sensationalism and respect the family’s grief.

As the Utah cheer world mourns, the emphasis remains on compassion for those left behind. Addi’s teammates, coaches, and extended family are leaning on one another, sharing memories and offering support. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder that behind every smile on the competition floor can lie hidden battles, and that mental health struggles deserve the same urgency and care as physical ones.

In the wake of this profound loss, the community holds space for healing, advocates for greater awareness, and cherishes the legacy of a young girl whose spirit continues to inspire those who knew her.