Las Vegas — A heartbreaking incident has left a mother and her preteen daughter dead in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide at the Rio Hotel & Casino, sending shockwaves through families attending a weekend youth cheerleading event and communities beyond Nevada.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called Sunday morning, Feb. 15, to conduct a welfare check after the pair failed to appear for a scheduled cheerleading competition and could not be reached. Hotel security later forced entry into the room, where both individuals were found deceased.

Investigators identified the victims as 38-year-old Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter, Addi Smith. Preliminary findings indicate the mother fatally shot her daughter before turning the weapon on herself late Saturday night. Police confirmed that a note was recovered from the room as part of the ongoing investigation.

The devastating loss has deeply affected the youth sports community. Utah Xtreme Cheer, the competitive cheer program connected to Addi, released a statement mourning the young athlete. “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,” the organization said, asking supporters to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

What was meant to be a weekend of competition and celebration has instead become a scene of unimaginable grief. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy while offering support resources to those affected.

The loss of a young life — and the circumstances surrounding it — has left a community searching for answers and mourning two lives cut short in a deeply sorrowful event.