LAS VEGAS — A competition weekend turned tragic Sunday when a mother and her preteen daughter, identified by their program as a Utah Xtreme Cheer athlete, were found dead inside a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded at 10:45 a.m. to a welfare check request at the property in the 3700 block of West Flamingo Road near South Valley View Boulevard.
According to Lt. Robert Price, officers arrived, met with hotel security and attempted to contact the occupants by knocking on the door and calling the room. There was no answer, and officers were cleared from the call.
Hotel security later received continued requests from family members and friends asking staff to help locate the mother and daughter inside the casino.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., security returned to the room. After several more attempts to make contact, staff entered and found two deceased females. Security exited and called 911.
LVMPD officers returned, secured the scene and notified homicide detectives, who remained on site Sunday.
Preliminary information indicates the family was in Las Vegas for a cheer or dance competition. Police said that sometime Saturday night, the mother, who was in her mid-30s, shot her preteen daughter and then herself. Authorities confirmed a note was left in the room but did not release details about its contents.
Police emphasized that the information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
In a statement, Utah Xtreme Cheer identified the athlete as Addi.
“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away,” the program wrote. “We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that you respect their privacy during this time.”
The loss has sent shockwaves across the all star cheer community.
Coaches across the country are urging families to check in with athletes and one another in the wake of the news. While investigators work to confirm details, the focus within the cheer community has shifted to supporting teammates, coaches and families affected by the tragedy.
LVMPD said additional information will be released when available.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Mental Health Unit (702) 486-8020
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
Self-Injury Hotline (800) DON’T CUT (800-366-8288)
Child Abuse Hotline (National) (800) 252-2873
Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
National Youth Crisis Hotline (800) 448-4663
https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-after-a-traumatic-event
