Las Vegas, Nevada — A tragic case has emerged involving a Utah mother who reportedly shot her 11-year-old daughter before taking her own life in a hotel room. Authorities have identified the mother as 34-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter as Addilyn Smith, known as Addi, both hailing from West Jordan, Utah.
According to the Salem Police Department in Utah, Addi was the niece of one of its sergeants, and her death was described as a “devastating incident” in an online statement. The family’s cheerleading community, including Utah Xtreme Cheer and Utah Fusion All-Stars, confirmed Addi’s death after she was reported missing alongside her mother in connection with a cheer competition they were supposed to attend.
Concerned friends initiated a missing persons search after the mother and daughter did not appear for the event. The Metropolitan Police Department received a call on Sunday morning about their welfare and dispatched officers to the Rio hotel. Leaders from the Metro division reported that officers knocked and called for 15 minutes, but received no response. They later notified hotel security to check further.
About four hours later, hotel security entered the room and found McGeehan and Smith deceased. Preliminary investigations suggest that the mother shot her child before turning the weapon on herself. While a note was discovered at the scene, the specifics around its contents have not been disclosed as the inquiry continues.
The court history between McGeehan and the child’s father, Bradley Smith, reveals a tumultuous custody battle that lasted nearly a decade. Following their divorce in 2015, the two parents faced numerous disputes, including arrangements for custody and child support. In a significant ruling in 2020, a judge modified the custody agreement to give temporary sole physical custody to Bradley Smith due to concerns raised about McGeehan’s behavior, including instances of alleged domestic abuse in front of Addi.
Despite the custody modifications, the current status regarding physical custody at the time of Addi’s death remains unclear, as much of the case file is sealed.
In light of this devastating loss, Addi’s uncle, Greg Smith, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and support Bradley Smith during this painful time. He expressed the family’s anguish over Addi’s tragic passing, calling it an unspeakable loss.
This heartbreaking situation highlights the impact of unresolved family disputes and mental health issues. If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is reachable 24/7 at 988 for support.
As more details continue to unfold, the community is left grappling with the shock of this tragedy.