The tragic discovery of an 11-year-old cheerleader and her mother dead in a Las Vegas hotel room has sent shockwaves through the competitive cheer community and beyond. Authorities have ruled the deaths a murder-suicide, with the mother fatally shooting her daughter before turning the gun on herself. Family members have now revealed that the mother had been grappling with severe mental health issues in recent months, adding a layer of heartbreak to an already devastating event.

Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and her daughter Addi Smith, 11, had traveled from Utah to Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition with their team, Utah Xtreme Cheer. The pair checked into a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino, a popular off-Strip property near the competition venue. What began as an exciting weekend of routines, performances, and team bonding turned into unimaginable tragedy when the two failed to appear for their scheduled events on Sunday morning, February 15, 2026.

Teammates and coaches grew concerned after repeated attempts to contact them went unanswered. A welfare check was requested, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers responded to the hotel around 10:45 a.m. They knocked on the door but received no response and initially left the scene without entering the room. Hours later, at approximately 2:30 p.m., hotel security staff gained access and discovered the bodies. Both had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. Homicide detectives quickly determined that McGeehan had shot her daughter sometime the previous night before taking her own life. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The cheer community reacted with profound grief. Utah Xtreme Cheer issued a statement expressing devastation: the gym described Addi as a bright, beloved member of the family who left a lasting positive impact on everyone she met. Coaches and teammates shared memories of her enthusiasm, talent, and infectious smile on the mat. Tributes poured in online from across the country, with many in the all-star cheer world calling it one of the most heartbreaking losses the sport had ever seen. The national event, meant to celebrate young athletes’ hard work, instead became a somber gathering as teams processed the news and offered support to grieving families.

Family members close to McGeehan have since spoken about her ongoing struggles with serious mental health challenges. In recent months, she had been dealing with significant emotional distress, including symptoms consistent with severe depression and other untreated or inadequately managed conditions. Relatives described a sharp decline in her well-being leading up to the trip, though no one anticipated the tragic outcome. They emphasized that McGeehan had been a devoted mother who loved her daughter deeply, but the weight of her untreated mental illness ultimately overwhelmed her.

Court records reveal additional context: McGeehan had been embroiled in a prolonged, contentious custody battle with Addi’s father, Brad Smith, following their divorce in 2015. Documents indicate periods of tension, including allegations of domestic violence that temporarily affected custody arrangements. While the dispute had been ongoing for years, friends and family noted that recent stressors—possibly compounded by the custody issues—exacerbated her mental health struggles. A note was reportedly found in the hotel room, though its contents have not been publicly disclosed by police.

The incident has sparked difficult conversations about mental health awareness, particularly among parents in high-pressure environments like competitive youth sports. Cheerleading, with its intense training schedules, performance expectations, and travel demands, can add layers of stress for families already navigating personal challenges. Advocates in the cheer community have called for greater resources and support systems to help identify and assist those in crisis before tragedy strikes.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police continue their investigation, treating the case as a closed murder-suicide with no ongoing threat to the public. No foul play from third parties is suspected. The department has urged anyone with information to come forward, though officials believe the facts are largely established.

The cheer world, still reeling, has focused on honoring Addi’s memory. Teammates and coaches have shared photos of her competing, smiling in uniform, and celebrating with friends. Many described her as a “bright spot” whose energy lit up every practice and competition. Tributes highlight not just her athletic talent but her kindness and the joy she brought to others.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the hidden battles many face. Mental health crises can escalate silently, even in seemingly stable lives, and the ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate victims. As the Utah cheer community mourns, they hold space for healing, support one another, and advocate for better mental health resources to prevent future tragedies.

In the wake of such profound loss, the emphasis remains on compassion, understanding, and the urgent need to prioritize mental well-being—for parents, children, and everyone involved in demanding pursuits like competitive sports.