A weekend trip to Las Vegas that was meant to center around competition, performance, and shared excitement ended in tragedy when a mother and her young daughter were found dead inside a hotel room along the Las Vegas Strip. Authorities say the case is being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide, leaving behind grieving family members, stunned teammates, and a community struggling to comprehend how an event tied to youth athletics and celebration could turn into a devastating loss of life.
Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter, Addi Smith, had traveled to the city for a cheerleading competition. Their presence in Las Vegas was tied to a routine commitment common among youth sports families—traveling for events that bring together teams from across regions to compete and perform. Instead of preparing for scheduled activities, however, the pair disappeared from expected gatherings, prompting concern among those who knew them.
Their unexplained absence set off a chain of events that ultimately led to a welfare check, forced entry into a hotel room, and the discovery of a crime scene that investigators now say reflects a tragic act of violence within a family. Law enforcement officials have described the situation as deeply distressing, particularly because it involves the death of a child.
While authorities continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the timeline, many details remain unknown, including what may have motivated the shooting. The presence of a note found at the scene has added another layer of uncertainty, as investigators have not publicly disclosed its contents. For those connected to the victims, the unanswered questions have intensified the emotional toll of the loss.
The Discovery at the Rio Hotel & Casino
Concern first emerged when the Tawnia McGeehan and daughter failed to attend a scheduled team meeting on Sunday morning. Their absence stood out to friends and fellow participants in the cheerleading competition, who expected them to be present. When attempts to reach them were unsuccessful, concern escalated quickly. Their failure to appear was not seen as routine or accidental but alarming enough to prompt action.
Authorities were eventually contacted and asked to perform a wellness check at their hotel room. Officers arrived at the Rio Hotel & Casino on Sunday morning in response to the request. Initial efforts to access the room were unsuccessful due to insufficient information to justify immediate forced entry. As time passed and concern grew, family members pressed for further action, urging hotel staff and authorities to try again.
Later that afternoon, hotel security personnel reattempted entry. This time, they were able to access the room. Inside, they found both the mother and daughter deceased. Investigators determined that the mother had shot her daughter before turning the weapon on herself. Based on preliminary findings, authorities believe the incident occurred the night before their bodies were discovered.
The discovery transformed what had begun as a routine welfare check into a full homicide investigation. Officers secured the scene, began collecting evidence, and worked to establish a clear timeline of events. Among the items recovered was a note, though officials have not revealed what it contained or whether it provides insight into the mother’s state of mind or intentions.
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The timing of the discovery also underscored the abruptness of the tragedy. Only hours earlier, those around them had expected to see the pair attending competition-related activities. Instead, their absence marked the first indication that something was seriously wrong. The realization that the events had likely unfolded overnight deepened the shock for those involved in the search.
The Investigation and Unanswered Questions
From the outset, investigators characterized the case as a suspected murder-suicide. According to law enforcement officials, evidence at the scene supports the conclusion that the mother shot her daughter before taking her own life. While this preliminary determination provides a basic framework for understanding what occurred, the circumstances leading up to the act remain unclear.
Authorities have confirmed that both individuals were in Las Vegas specifically for a cheerleading competition. The mother was described as being in her mid-30s, and her daughter was identified as a pre-teen. Beyond these basic details, officials have released little information about their background, recent activities, or potential stressors that might have contributed to the incident.
One of the most significant unknowns is the motive. Investigators have acknowledged that they do not yet understand what led to the shooting. Determining motive in cases of family violence can be particularly complex, often involving personal, emotional, financial, or psychological factors that are not immediately visible to others. In this case, the existence of a note suggests that the mother may have left some form of explanation, but until its contents are made public—if they ever are—speculation remains limited.
The investigation also includes efforts to reconstruct the pair’s final hours. Authorities are working to establish when the shooting occurred, what interactions took place beforehand, and whether any warning signs were present. This process typically involves reviewing hotel surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining physical evidence from the room.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the emotional weight of cases involving child deaths. Investigators handling the scene must balance procedural rigor with the reality that the loss involves a young life and grieving relatives. In such cases, authorities often proceed cautiously when releasing information, particularly when surviving family members are still processing the event.
The timeline of response has also drawn attention. Officers initially arrived in the morning but were unable to enter the room. Entry was only achieved later in the afternoon after renewed efforts by hotel security and continued pressure from concerned relatives. While officials have not indicated any procedural failure, the sequence highlights how access limitations can delay discovery even when concern is immediate.
At present, the investigation remains focused on confirming the sequence of events and identifying contributing factors. Until authorities release further findings, many aspects of the case remain unresolved.
Community Shock and Response
News of the deaths spread quickly among those connected to the cheerleading community. The young victim was part of a team that had gathered in Las Vegas for competition, and her absence was first noticed by teammates and coaches who expected to see her participating in scheduled events. For them, the shift from concern to confirmation of death happened within a matter of hours.
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The team later issued a public statement expressing grief and heartbreak over the loss. Those who knew the young athlete described her as deeply loved and remembered her as an important part of the team community. The suddenness of the tragedy left many struggling to reconcile their memories of a vibrant participant with the reality of her death.
Organizations and groups connected to the family also acknowledged the loss. A nonprofit organization reported that both the mother and daughter had been missing before authorities discovered their bodies. Their announcement reflected the urgency and fear that had developed as attempts to locate them failed.
In addition to emotional tributes, calls for privacy followed quickly. The cheer team and others connected to the victims asked the public to respect the family’s space during the period of mourning. Such requests are common after high-profile tragedies, particularly when minors are involved, as families navigate grief while facing public attention.
The impact of the incident extends beyond immediate relatives and teammates. Events involving family violence in public settings often resonate widely, particularly when they occur in environments associated with leisure or youth activities. The contrast between the purpose of the trip—a competitive cheerleading event—and the violence that occurred has intensified the sense of shock among observers.
For many within the community, the tragedy has prompted reflection on the pressures that can exist behind closed doors. While investigators have not identified any specific cause, the case highlights how personal crises can remain hidden until catastrophic outcomes occur. Those closest to the victims now face the challenge of processing loss while waiting for answers that may take time to emerge.
As authorities continue their work, the cheerleading community and those connected to the victims remain focused on mourning and remembrance. Public statements have centered on honoring the young athlete’s life and supporting those directly affected. The broader community response reflects both grief and the struggle to understand how a trip intended for competition and achievement ended in irreversible loss.