Newly released coroner’s reports detail a disturbing case where Addilyn “Addi” Smith, an 11-year-old cheerleader from Utah, was found deceased with a cocktail of prescription medications in her system. The girl was murdered by her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, who later died by suicide inside a hotel room at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on February 15.
Police determined that McGeehan shot Smith before taking her own life. A chair positioned directly by the door bore a note reading: “Call 911 before walking in 2 dead bodies one is an 11-year-old.” The coroner’s reports indicate Smith was found wearing pajamas, with a pillow bearing a bullet hole lying atop her head. McGeehan was mostly undressed and a semi-automatic pistol was discovered on top of her chest. Three shell casings and a magazine containing live cartridges were also found in the room.
Toxicology results show Smith tested positive for caffeine, quetiapine (an antidepressant), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), gabapentin, and lorazepam (a sedative). McGeehan’s system contained cannabinoids, caffeine, eszopiclone/zopiclone (a sedative), quetiapine, diphenhydramine, citalopram/escitalopram (an antidepressant), desmethylloperamide, gabapentin, and lorazepam. Smith’s stuffed animals were found on another bed alongside luggage, food bags, multiple prescription bottles bearing McGeehan’s name, an opened package of THC gummies, broken gabapentin capsules, and a clear cup with white residue.
The coroner’s report states McGeehan had a history of severe depression with previous prescribed medication and described her as having “severe depression over breakups and an ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband.” Smith and McGeehan traveled to Las Vegas on February 13 for Smith to attend a cheer competition but missed the event on February 15 when her father could not contact them. He called law enforcement for a welfare check after failing to reach his daughter.
Both victims died from gunshot wounds to the head; Smith’s death was ruled a homicide while McGeehan’s was determined as suicide. No prescription drugs were found in Smith’s name at the crime scene. Utah Xtreme Cheer, Addilyn’s cheerleading team, released a statement expressing devastation: “We are heartbroken over this devastating news.”
