A Utah gym owner described 11-year-old Addi Smith as “that positive influence the team needed, always willing to be a leader.” She was expected to compete at a cheer event in Las Vegas before a missed appearance and a silent hotel room raised alarm.

What began as concern over a missed competition has become a tragedy reaching from Utah to Nevada. Addi and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, had traveled to Las Vegas for the weekend event but never arrived.

According to ABC4, Utah Xtreme Cheer reported them missing on Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, after they failed to appear. Family members and teammates quickly grew worried.

Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a welfare check at the Rio Hotel and Casino around 10:45 a.m. Police knocked repeatedly and called out but received no response.

After officers initially cleared the scene, hotel security continued receiving urgent calls from concerned relatives. Security personnel later entered the room to check on the occupants.

Inside, they found a woman in her mid-30s and a preteen girl deceased. Coaches later identified them as McGeehan and her daughter, Addi.

Police said the deaths are being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide. Officials called the situation “sad and tragic,” expressing condolences to the family and community as the investigation continues.

The loss has deeply affected teammates, coaches, and loved ones. Addi was remembered as a bright presence within her team — a young athlete whose leadership and positivity left a lasting impression on those around her.