New details are emerging in the heartbreaking deaths of Tawnia McGeehan and her 11-year-old daughter Addi Smith, who were found inside a hotel room in Las Vegas.
According to a teammate’s account shared with investigators, McGeehan had recently received a wave of hostile messages from other parents connected to the cheer team. The messages allegedly blamed Addi for team-related tensions and disputes. While authorities have not publicly confirmed the exact content of those communications, law enforcement sources say digital evidence — including a team group chat — is now under review.
Investigators are working to determine the timeline of the messages and whether they played any role in the tragic events that followed. Officials have cautioned that online discussions can quickly spiral, especially in competitive environments, but they have not concluded that the messages directly caused the deaths.
The case has drawn attention to the emotional pressures surrounding youth sports, where parental conflict, social media exchanges, and group messaging platforms can amplify disputes far beyond the original issue. Experts note that while hurtful communication can intensify stress, tragedies of this nature typically involve complex and deeply personal factors.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing, and they urge the public to avoid speculation or harassment directed at individuals connected to the team. Digital forensics will likely play a significant role in clarifying the sequence of events in the final hours before the deaths.
As communities in Utah and Nevada continue to mourn, the focus remains on remembering Addi — described as a dedicated young athlete — and understanding the broader circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome.