Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Authorities report that a mother and her two young children went over Niagara Falls intentionally.
On the night of October 28, at approximately 9:00 PM, New York State Police were dispatched to Luna Island at Niagara Falls.
Witnesses at the site observed a woman and two children falling from the top of the waterfall.
On October 30, New York State Police released a statement identifying the mother as Chianti Means and her children as Roman Rossman and Mecca Means.
The statement indicated that the family had crossed over the “safety guild rail” and went over the falls, describing the act as “intentional in nature.”
A New York State Police spokesperson told WKBW TV: “We’ve concluded that a 33-year-old mother, a nine-year-old son, and a five-month-old went over the falls. We believe it was intentional, but the specifics of the investigation and what exactly occurred are still being looked into.
“However, based on information from park police and various sources around Niagara Falls, as well as evidence found through search warrants, we know they went over and did not come back. […] There are numerous safety railings and security measures at the state park, so this was not an accidental occurrence.”
The official mentioned that they ‘may be able to’ uncover and ‘solve’ the reasons behind the family’s fall, or ‘we may never know.’
However, police do not suspect the involvement of any other individuals.
The press release from New York State Police concludes: “Search and rescue operations by New York State Park Police and State Police have yielded no results. This incident poses no threat to public safety.
“The investigation is being assisted by New York State Park Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems, NYSPP Marine Patrol, NYSP Aviation, Underwater Recovery Unit, Niagara Falls Police Department, and Niagara Charter Schools.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you know requires immediate mental health support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis line available to everyone 24/7.