Cheerleader Found Slain in Nevada Hotel Room

Addilyn Smith's father and coach made multiple 911 calls before her body was discovered

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Addilyn Smith, an 11-year-old cheerleader from Utah, was found fatally shot in a Las Vegas hotel room after her father and coach made repeated 911 calls requesting a welfare check. Authorities determined that Addilyn's mother, Tawnia McGeehan, shot the girl before turning the gun on herself. The 911 call recordings reveal the chain of events leading to the tragic discovery on February 15.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of responding promptly to welfare check requests, as well as the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and custody disputes. Addilyn's death raises questions about whether more could have been done to intervene and prevent the tragedy.

The details

According to the 911 call recordings, Addilyn's father told dispatchers that the girl and her mother were not answering text messages and were supposed to be at a cheerleading competition that morning but did not show up. Addilyn's coach also called 911, expressing concern that Addilyn "possibly is in imminent danger." Police initially knocked on the hotel room door but did not enter after getting no response, deciding there was no immediate danger. However, after the repeated calls, hotel security eventually entered the room and found the bodies.

  • On February 15, Addilyn and her mother were supposed to be at a cheerleading competition in Las Vegas.
  • That morning, Addilyn's father and coach made multiple 911 calls requesting a welfare check on the pair.
  • Police initially responded to the first welfare check request but did not enter the hotel room.
  • Later that afternoon, hotel security entered the room and discovered the bodies of Addilyn and her mother.

The players

Addilyn Smith

An 11-year-old cheerleader from Utah who was found fatally shot in a Las Vegas hotel room.

Tawnia McGeehan

Addilyn's 34-year-old mother, who authorities determined shot Addilyn before turning the gun on herself.

Addilyn's father

Addilyn's father, who made multiple 911 calls expressing concern about his daughter and ex-wife's whereabouts.

Addilyn's coach

Addilyn's cheerleading coach, who also called 911 to report the pair missing and express concern for Addilyn's safety.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial welfare check requests but did not enter the hotel room, and later determined the cause of death.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to figure out where my daughter and her mom is. They were supposed to be at a dance competition this morning, they didn't show up, people went to their hotel room, they're not answering the door.”

— Addilyn's father (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“They're not answering messages or even seeing the messages. It's very strange.”

— Addilyn's father (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“Addilyn possibly is in imminent danger.”

— Addilyn's coach (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

Authorities have not declared a motive behind the killings and the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for swift and thorough responses to welfare check requests, as well as the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and custody disputes that can have devastating consequences. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing these issues to protect vulnerable children and families.