Brad Smith’s attorney confirmed on February 25, 2026, that his client received a lengthy email from Tawnia McGeehan at 2:11 a.m. on February 15—the very night before the Las Vegas tragedy that claimed the life of their 11-year-old daughter, Addilyn “Addi” Smith. The email’s subject line contained only two words: “Addi Smith.” Attached was a single unsigned PDF document outlining proposed terms for property division following their long-running custody dispute.

The revelation adds a haunting new layer to an already devastating case. Tawnia McGeehan, 38, and Addi were found dead in their room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino after the child failed to appear for her scheduled performance at the JAMZ National Cheer Competition. Police determined Tawnia had shot her daughter before taking her own life, a conclusion supported by the Clark County Coroner’s Office ruling of homicide for Addi and suicide for Tawnia. A note was discovered in the room, though its contents have never been released publicly.

The 2,347-word email, timestamped 2:11 a.m., was sent from Tawnia’s personal account to Brad’s. According to the attorney, who reviewed it under privilege, the body consisted of a lengthy, unstructured message touching on multiple topics: frustrations with co-parenting logistics, references to past court orders, complaints about communication through the Our Family Wizard app, and several paragraphs devoted to financial matters. The tone reportedly fluctuated between accusatory and reflective, with Tawnia expressing exhaustion over the nine-year legal battle that began after their 2015 divorce and culminated in a joint custody order in May 2024.

The attached PDF, unsigned and undated, outlined a proposed division of marital property still unresolved from the original divorce decree. It included suggested splits for real estate equity in their West Jordan home, retirement accounts, vehicles, and certain personal items. Legal experts note that sending such a document unsigned is unusual and legally meaningless—lacking notarization or electronic signature it carries no binding force. The attorney described it as “more aspirational than actionable,” possibly drafted in haste or emotional distress.

Brad Smith reportedly did not see or open the email until after learning of the tragedy later that Sunday morning. He had initiated a welfare check after repeated unsuccessful attempts to reach Addi and Tawnia, prompting Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to enter the hotel room around 2:30 p.m. and discover the bodies. The timing of the 2:11 a.m. message—mere hours before the shootings—has intensified speculation about Tawnia’s state of mind in her final moments.

Court records previously revealed extreme measures to minimize conflict between the parents: exchanges at a police station every Monday at 9 a.m., parents required to park five spaces apart at school events with Addi walking between vehicles alone, and communication strictly limited to the Our Family Wizard app except in emergencies. Tawnia held primary decision-making authority until a May 2020 temporary order granted sole physical custody to Brad after findings of domestic abuse in Addi’s presence and behavior consistent with parental alienation. That arrangement lasted until the 2024 joint custody order returned a week-on, week-off schedule.

The email’s existence has fueled public discussion about the psychological toll of protracted custody litigation. Family law specialists note that high-conflict cases often lead to emotional exhaustion, financial ruin, and in extreme instances, catastrophic outcomes. Tawnia’s family previously reported she had struggled with depression but appeared to stabilize after the 2024 resolution. Cheerleading had become a positive anchor for both mother and daughter, providing structure and shared joy. Recent weeks, however, reportedly included added stress from hostile messages by one or two other cheer mothers blaming Tawnia or Addi for team issues.

Brad Smith has remained largely out of the public eye, grieving privately. Community support in Utah has been strong, with vigils, GoFundMe campaigns for funeral costs and mental health resources, and calls for reform in how courts handle long-running custody disputes. Advocates emphasize mandatory counseling, better mental health screening, and safeguards to prevent children from becoming pawns in parental conflict.

Police closed the investigation as a murder-suicide with no third-party involvement. No disturbances were reported at the hotel, likely masked by casino noise. The unsigned PDF and 2:11 a.m. email have not altered the official conclusion but have deepened the tragedy’s emotional resonance. They suggest Tawnia may have been attempting one final effort to resolve lingering financial matters—or perhaps to document her state of mind—before the irreversible act.

The case continues to provoke reflection on domestic pressures hidden behind suburban normalcy. Addi, remembered as a vibrant, kind-hearted cheerleader who lit up practices and encouraged teammates, never got her moment on the mat that Sunday. Her death underscores the silent damage prolonged litigation can inflict on children and parents alike.

Brad’s lawyer declined to release the email’s full text, citing privacy and ongoing civil matters related to the estate and custody aftermath. The attorney emphasized that Brad’s focus remains on honoring Addi’s memory and supporting extended family through grief. No criminal charges are expected, as the deaths have been ruled non-suspicious in terms of external involvement.

The 2,347-word message, sent in the dead of night with only a child’s name as its subject, now stands as one of the final traces of Tawnia’s thoughts. Whether it was a desperate outreach, a farewell, or simply a sleepless attempt to tie up loose ends, it leaves an indelible mark on an already heartbreaking story. Addi’s teammates continue to dedicate routines in her honor, keeping her spirit alive through flips and cheers. Her legacy endures not in court filings or emails, but in the lives she touched—and in the urgent call for systems that protect children from the fallout of endless parental wars.