Las Vegas Hotel Tragedy: Mother and Daughter Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Police in Las Vegas, Nevada, have confirmed the deaths of a mother and her young daughter in what appears to be a murder-suicide at a hotel room. The bodies of Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith were discovered on Sunday at the Rio Hotel and Casino, following a welfare check request.
Discovery of the Bodies
According to authorities, officers initially responded to a welfare check request just before 11 a.m. on Sunday. Patrol officers and hotel security personnel attempted to contact the pair by knocking on the door and calling into the room multiple times, but received no response. At that time, there was no indication that either individual was in immediate danger, so officers cleared the scene.
However, hotel security later received additional requests to check on the mother and daughter. Around 2:27 p.m., security entered the room and found both Tawnia and Addi unresponsive. They immediately called 911. Both victims were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigation and Statement
Police Lieutenant Robert Price of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department addressed reporters, stating, "This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family." He added that the motive for the killing remains under investigation, with detectives determining based on preliminary evidence that the mother shot her daughter before turning the gun on herself.
A note was also discovered at the scene, though its contents have not been disclosed publicly. The case has been classified as a murder-suicide, pending further investigation.
Background and Tributes
Tawnia McGeehan and Addi Smith were in Las Vegas for a cheerleading competition. When they failed to appear, authorities initiated a search for the pair. Addi was a member of Utah Xtreme Cheer, a cheerleading team based in Salt Lake City, and her absence raised immediate concerns.
Utah Xtreme Cheer posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing their devastation: "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."
Community Support and GoFundMe
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched to support the family. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses for Tawnia and Addi, describing the event as "a heartbreaking event has left the family in deep shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Addi in such a way."
The community has rallied around the grieving family, with many offering condolences and financial support. The GoFundMe page emphasizes that any funds raised will be used directly for funeral costs, helping alleviate some of the financial burden during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident. While the preliminary findings point to a murder-suicide, authorities are working to uncover any underlying factors that may have contributed to this tragic outcome. The case remains open, with detectives gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, highlighting the profound impact of such personal tragedies. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the affected family and honoring the memories of Tawnia and Addi.
