LAS VEGAS, NV — New details have emerged regarding the tragic deaths of 11-year-old Addilyn Smith and her mother, 34-year-old Tawnia McGeehan, who were found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room on February 15. Investigative records and 911 dispatch logs now indicate that a note posted on the hotel room door alerted authorities to a “possible suicide” hours after an initial welfare check was cleared by police.
The Discovery at the Cheer Competition
The incident unfolded during a weekend dedicated to a youth cheerleading competition. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) was first alerted to the situation when Addilyn’s coach requested a welfare check after the young girl failed to appear for her scheduled performance.
According to 911 call records obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, police initially responded to the hotel on the morning of Feb. 15. After knocking on the door and receiving no response, officers concluded there was no immediate evidence of foul play or danger, subsequently clearing the call.
The Second Check and the Fatal Note
The situation escalated throughout the afternoon as hotel management received multiple additional requests for welfare checks. At approximately 2:26 p.m., fire officials notified dispatchers of a note discovered on a door—the contents of which led responders to suspect a suicide attempt.
Minutes later, at 2:27 p.m., hotel personnel entered the room and discovered the bodies of Smith and McGeehan. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators currently believe McGeehan shot her daughter before turning the weapon on herself.
James Watts, an attorney for McGeehan, confirmed the existence of the note but stated he has not yet reviewed its contents.
“It is the family’s hope at some point, when it’s no longer required by law enforcement, that it will be returned to [McGeehan’s] mother,” Watts stated. “She would like to know what was being said at the time.”
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A History of Custody Disputes
While a specific motive for the violence has not been formally released by the LVMPD, court records provide a glimpse into a volatile family history. Documents previously cited by KUTV reveal that McGeehan lost custody of Addilyn following a 2017 divorce.
Though she regained joint custody in 2020 and appeared to be a supportive “cheer mom,” the underlying circumstances leading to the February tragedy remain under investigation.
Impact on the Cheer Community
Addilyn Smith was a prominent member of the Utah Xtreme Cheer (UXC) community. In the wake of her death, the organization released a statement describing her as “beyond loved” and a permanent member of their “family.” Her former coaches noted her pride and dedication to the sport, describing her as a child with a bright future.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has not yet commented on whether any red flags were missed during the initial morning welfare check. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities wait for final toxicology and ballistic reports.
