Addi Smith, a young athlete from Utah, and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, traveled to Las Vegas for a cheer competition.
They were last seen on Saturday, February 14, 2026, around 8 p.m. at the New York-New York Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.
Addi was a dedicated member of Utah Xtreme Cheer, based in West Jordan, Utah.
When the pair did not show up for their event and could not be reached, worry spread fast. Utah Xtreme Cheer posted an urgent plea on Facebook that same day.
This is not the post we ever wanted to make, but we need the cheer community’s help. One of our athletes and her mom are currently missing from Las Vegas. They did not arrive to competition today, and we have been unable to contact them. At this point, we are extremely worried. Police have been contacted. If you have seen them, have any information, or know anything at all — please call/text: 385-985-7249 immediately. Please share this post as widely as possible. Thank you, cheer fam.”
Via Facebook
A family member also shared concern online. They said,
“This is my cousin and her mom who were last seen in Las Vegas. Please reach out with any information anybody might have. We’re extremely worried.”
Loved ones noted that the vehicle’s keys were still at the hotel, along with their belongings. This made the situation even more alarming.
Las Vegas Metro Police received a call around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, requesting a welfare check. Officers knocked on the hotel room door several times and called out their names, but got no response.
Later that afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., hotel security tried again. When there was still no answer, they entered the room. Inside, they found both Tawnia McGeehan and Addi Smith deceased.
Police launched a homicide investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that Tawnia shot her daughter, Addi, and then took her own life. The mother was in her mid-30s, and Addi was a preteen.
The cheer community was devastated. Utah Xtreme Cheer later shared a follow-up post:
“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away. We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that you respect their privacy during this time. Addi, we love you tremendously.”
Via Facebook
This case began as a missing persons search but ended in unimaginable tragedy.
The cheer world and Addi’s loved ones continue to grieve the loss of a bright young girl and her mother.
Our thoughts remain with the family and everyone affected by this senseless event.
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