A Utah gym owner described 11-year-old Addi Smith as \u201cthat positive influence the team needed, always willing to be a leader.\u201d She was expected to compete at a cheer event in Las Vegas before a missed appearance and a silent hotel room raised alarm.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Inside, they found a woman in her mid-30s and a preteen girl deceased. Coaches later identified them as McGeehan and her daughter, Addi.<\/p>\n
Police said the deaths are being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide. Officials called the situation \u201csad and tragic,\u201d expressing condolences to the family and community as the investigation continues.<\/p>\n
The loss has deeply affected teammates, coaches, and loved ones. Addi was remembered as a bright presence within her team \u2014 a young athlete whose leadership and positivity left a lasting impression on those around her.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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