WEST JORDAN — Tears and heartbreak are sweeping through a West Jordan neighborhood after news spread of a tragic murder‑suicide involving a mother and her young daughter.
Investigators said the mother, Tawnia McGeehan, shot her daughter, Addi Smith, before turning the gun on herself inside a Las Vegas hotel.
On Monday evening, neighbors gathered to tie blue ribbons around trees throughout the neighborhood — a symbol of support for the grieving family. Many said they are still in shock and never imagined something like this could happen so close to home.
Neighbors tie blue ribbons around trees to show their support for the grieving family. (Dan Rascon, KSL)
“We want them all to know that we’re thinking about them and care for them,” a neighbor, Alison Johnson, said.
The community is struggling to process the deaths of Tawnia and Addi. The two were found dead in their hotel room during what was meant to be a fun weekend at a cheer competition.
“It was just absolute shock and disbelief,” Johnson added.
“We just mourn with their families. We’re just really sad. We watched the kids walk past our house every day for school,” a neighbor, Melissa Hoch, said.
The two were reported missing Sunday after they failed to show up for the cheer event. They were discovered later that afternoon. Neighbors remember Addi as the light of the neighborhood — always doing cartwheels in the yard and laughing with friends.
“We just miss her a lot. It’s going to be hard not to see her around,” a neighbor, Rob Hoch, said.
Residents said the blue ribbons are just one small gesture in an effort to support the grieving family in any way they can. Investigators confirm a note was left in the hotel room, but no additional details have been released.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.
Additional resources
SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.
These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.
Other community-based resources