🚨 “She Said She Was Losing Everything”: Friend’s Chilling Account and Recent Custody Filing Deepen Mystery in Tawnia McGeehan-Addi Smith Tragedy

In a heart-wrenching new detail emerging from the investigation into the murder-suicide of 11-year-old cheerleader Addi Smith and her mother Tawnia McGeehan, a close friend has revealed McGeehan’s despairing words in the lead-up to the fatal Las Vegas trip: “She said she was losing everything.” This statement, shared amid growing scrutiny of the family’s dynamics, coincides with court confirmation that Addi’s father, Brad Smith, had filed for an adjustment to the custody arrangement just weeks before the February 15, 2026, incident. The filing, which sought modifications to the joint custody order established in May 2024, adds a layer of potential motive to McGeehan’s actions, as authorities review whether escalating legal pressures contributed to the tragedy at the Rio Hotel & Casino.

The case, marked by years of contentious custody battles, mental health struggles, and competitive cheer tensions, continues to unfold with leaks from medical records, witness accounts, and now this recent filing. McGeehan, 38, fatally shot her daughter before herself in what LVMPD has ruled a murder-suicide, leaving the Utah cheer community and Addi’s extended family in profound grief. As investigators piece together McGeehan’s final days—including a last-minute doctor visit for medication adjustment and reports of exhaustion rather than instability—these revelations highlight the devastating toll of prolonged family conflict. This article draws from court documents, family statements, investigative sources, and community responses to provide a comprehensive look at a story that has shocked the nation.

The Vegas Trip: Excitement Turns to Alarm

Addilyn “Addi” Smith was a standout in her inaugural season with Utah Xtreme Cheer (UXC), a program renowned for its championships and dedicated athletes.

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The 11-year-old’s enthusiasm for cheer and gymnastics was infectious, as teammates recalled her bright smile and determination. The JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas promised thrills, with Addi set to showcase routines at the Rio Hotel & Casino.

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McGeehan posted early Sunday photos of Addi performing backflips in their room around 5 a.m., but the pair’s no-show at events sparked worry. Coaches and family alerted authorities, with McKennly Smith posting a flyer: “HAVE YOU SEEN US? Tawnia McGeehan, Addi Smith.” LVMPD’s welfare check at 10:45 a.m. yielded no entry; hotel security found the bodies at 2:30 p.m., both with gunshot wounds. A note, cracked phone, shattered case, hidden recorder, and sealed envelope were recovered.

The coroner ruled homicide-suicide. The gun was McGeehan’s, unknown to family.

New Revelations: “Losing Everything” and Custody Adjustment Filing

A close friend, speaking to investigators, recounted McGeehan’s words: “She said she was losing everything,” expressing fears tied to ongoing stresses. This despair aligns with the recent custody filing by Brad Smith, confirmed by Utah’s 4th District Court. Filed weeks before the trip—around late January 2026—the adjustment sought changes to the 2024 joint custody order, potentially reducing McGeehan’s decision-making authority or visitation amid concerns over her stability.

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Court records show Smith’s motion cited recent incidents, though details remain sealed. This filing, following years of disputes, may have intensified McGeehan’s sense of loss, especially after regaining joint custody.

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Connie McGeehan noted her daughter’s lifelong depression but recent improvement. A relative described exhaustion during a February 12 doctor visit for medication adjustment. Medical records note “episodes under extreme stress” from August 2025, with a court copy missing a signature—under review.

Custody Saga: From Abuse Findings to Joint Arrangement

The family’s turmoil began with McGeehan’s 2015 divorce filing from Smith, finalized in 2017. Disputes escalated: In 2020, Commissioner Marian Ito found McGeehan committed domestic abuse in Addi’s presence and parental alienation, awarding Smith temporary sole custody and supervised visits for McGeehan.

McGeehan’s 2018 custodial interference charges were dismissed, but 2021 saw her seek a restraining order over McKennly recording exchanges. By May 2024, joint custody was restored: week-on, week-off, with McGeehan’s presumptive authority over key decisions.

The January 2026 filing by Smith suggests unresolved issues, possibly triggered by McGeehan’s behavior or cheer conflicts.

Cheer Pressures and Final Days

UXC owner Kory Uyetake acknowledged parental “comments,” but Connie detailed “mean” texts blaming Addi. A teammate noted Addi’s silence; McGeehan was upset post-placement talk.

Scene forensics: Open texts, voicemail, recorder may hold clues.

Investigation and Reflections

LVMPD reviews all, including filing’s impact. The “losing everything” quote humanizes McGeehan.

UXC grieves; GoFundMe aids Smith. Vigils honor Addi.

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This underscores mental health needs in custody cases