Mum, 33, jumps to death from Niagara Falls with two kids

There is a diminishing hope that the bodies of a mother and her two children who plunged to their deaths at Niagara Falls will be recovered. Chianti Means, aged 33, scaled the safety barrier at the iconic New York waterfall with her nine year old son Roman Rossman and five-month-old baby Mecca before jumping.

The harrowing event took place on Monday, but despite ongoing efforts involving drones, police have yet to locate their remains. Onlookers were left in shock as they witnessed the tragic fall of Chianti and her children.

Emergency crews were dispatched to Luna Island, nestled between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, shortly after 9pm on the day of the incident.

A police spokesperson reported: "On October 28, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM., New York State Park Police and the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to an incident on or around Goat Island in Niagara Falls, NY."

The circumstances are still under investigation, but it has been deemed an intentional act with no ongoing threat to public safety, reports the Mirror.

"Investigation determined three individuals, Chianti Means, 33-years-old, Roman Rossman, nine-years-old and Mecca Means, five-months-old all crossed over safety guild rail and went over Niagara Falls on Luna Island. The investigation has determined this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation," stated the New York State Park Police.

"New York State Park Police and State Police search/rescue efforts were conducted with negative results. This incident deems no public threat to safety."

A member of the New York State Police told WKBW TV: "They went there and they never came out. So that's where we're at. [...] Like I said there's a lot of safety railings, a lot of security measures at the state park so it's not something where they just stumbled in."

The Niagara Falls, according to its website, is a group of three waterfalls that continuously flow due to the strong currents of the 3,160 tonnes of water that cascade over the falls every second, even during freezing temperatures.

It was disclosed on Thursday that Ms Means had previously expressed her love for her children on Facebook, calling them her "reason to live". In January 2017, she posted a picture with the caption: "I love my son! I gave him life... he gave me a reason to live."

A close friend of Ms Means, believed to have worked as a domestic violence counsellor, expressed being "sick to her stomach" upon hearing the tragic news.

Mich Molina, a friend of the family, struggling to express her sorrow on Facebook, said: "I can't even bear to write a post about her and share memories. I am literally sick to my stomach and I can't even deal with the emotions I am feeling. Just know her and her children are dearly loved by me and my children."

In addition, another friend paid tribute online stating: "You really never know what anybody is going through..." and a separate comment from an online user read: "This case is so sad! ! I wish she would have talked to someone... My heart and prayers go out to all her family and friend."

Helplines and websites

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/