ADDILYN “ADDI” SMITH, 11, HAD DREAMS OF CHEERLEADING — A SPECIAL TRIP ENDED IN HEARTBREAK

Addilyn “Addi” Smith was an 11-year-old girl with dreams, passion and a love for cheerleading.

She had travelled from Utah to Las Vegas with her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, for what should have been an exciting weekend filled with competition, friends and memories.

Instead, the trip ended in a devastating tragedy that left her family, teammates and community grieving.

CONCERN GREW WHEN ADDI NEVER SHOWED UP

On February 15, 2026, Addi and her mother were staying at the Rio Hotel & Casino while in Las Vegas for a cheer competition.

But when Addi failed to appear at the competition, people close to her immediately became concerned.

Her father contacted Las Vegas police from Utah and asked officers to conduct a welfare check after he learned that his daughter and her mother had not shown up and were not responding to messages.

According to newly released 911 calls, he told dispatchers that the situation was unusual because he had spoken with both of them the previous day and everything had appeared normal.

Addi’s cheer coach also contacted 911.

The coach explained that neither Addi nor her mother had appeared at the competition and said he was increasingly worried about the girl’s safety.

He later called again and told dispatchers he believed Addi could be “possibly in imminent danger.”

 THE WELFARE CHECK

Police and hotel security eventually went to the room.

Officers initially received no response.

Later that afternoon, emergency personnel were called to the room after a note on the door prompted concern.

Addi and her mother were found dead inside.

Las Vegas authorities said the mother had taken Addi’s life before taking her own. The circumstances surrounding the deaths were investigated by police and the coroner’s office.

A handwritten note reportedly warned anyone approaching the room to contact emergency services before entering.

The discovery brought an end to the frantic search for Addi — but left her loved ones facing an unimaginable loss.

 A CHILD REMEMBERED FOR WHO SHE WAS

To those who knew Addi, she was much more than the circumstances surrounding her death.

She was a daughter.

A friend.

A teammate.

And a young cheerleader who loved trying new things.

Her coach, Seth Wayman, remembered Addi as someone who was always willing to step up when her team needed her.

He said she was the kind of girl who would volunteer when a position needed to be filled and was never afraid to try something new.

Her cheer communities have continued to remember the bright and talented child she was.

Utah Xtreme Cheer and other members of the cheer community shared tributes following her death.

 NEW RECORDS REVEAL THE DESPERATION BEFORE THE DISCOVERY

The newly released 911 recordings provide a clearer picture of the growing concern in the hours before Addi and her mother were found.

Several people contacted authorities.

Her father wanted officers to check the hotel room.

Her coach repeatedly warned that something could be wrong.

And her stepmother later called dispatchers asking for an update, telling them that both the family and coaches believed officers needed to reach the room quickly.

Those calls reveal just how desperately people were trying to make sure Addi was safe.

But by the time emergency responders reached the room, it was already too late.

 A LIFE THAT SHOULD HAVE HAD SO MUCH MORE

Addi’s death shocked the people who knew her and those who had followed the story after the initial missing-person appeal spread online.

The trip to Las Vegas had been supposed to be about cheerleading — something Addi loved and worked hard at.

Instead, her final hours became part of a tragedy her family and community will carry with them for years.

Her loved ones have continued to mourn the loss of a child whose life had barely begun.

Addi was only 11 years old. She had a team, a family, dreams and so many years ahead of her. To those who loved her, she will always be remembered not for the tragedy that ended her life, but for the bright young girl she was. 💔🕊️