A tragedy unfolded at Niagara Falls when a woman, Chianti Means, took her two young children, a 9-year-old and a 5-month-old, and intentionally jumped over a safety rail into the river. The incident, deemed a murder-suicide, occurred at Luna Island, a small island near the famous waterfalls. Law enforcement responded to the scene and confirmed that all three had gone over the rail. The New York State Police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, using unmanned aircraft and underwater units to search for the missing bodies.
As of Thursday, rescuers had not been able to locate the bodies of Means and her children. The victims were identified as 33-year-old Chianti Means, 9-year-old Roman Rossman, and baby Mecca Means, all residents of Niagara Falls. New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan stated that based on the available information, it was clear that the incident was intentional, ruling out the possibility of an accident. Luna Island, where the tragedy occurred, is open 24 hours a day, and it was dark at the time of the incident.
Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination, is a group of three waterfalls that straddle the border between Canada and New York. O’Callaghan emphasized that there were no other individuals involved in the tragic event, although the exact circumstances leading to the mother and her children jumping into the river remain unclear. Means’ family has been cooperating with the police investigation, shedding light on her background and potential motivations. Means, who described herself as a domestic violence counselor on her LinkedIn profile, did not exhibit any obvious signs of mental health issues that might have contributed to the incident.
Despite the alarming nature of the suicide-murder, law enforcement officials are still trying to piece together the details of how and why the tragedy occurred. O’Callaghan acknowledged that the eyewitness accounts were concerning, although he could not disclose specific details. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities continue to search for the bodies of Means and her children. Means had different fathers for her two children, and police have also spoken to her co-workers to gather more information about her background and possible reasons for her actions.
The New York State Police stress the importance of mental health awareness and support in the wake of this tragic event. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available for immediate assistance. The community and law enforcement are working together to understand the motives behind the devastating plunge at Niagara Falls, as they seek closure for the family of Chianti Means and her two young children.
