A domestic violence counselor's final moments at one of America's most iconic landmarks have left a community searching for answers and grieving an unfathomable loss.
According to the New York Post, Chianti Means, 33, intentionally jumped from Luna Island at Niagara Falls on Monday night, taking her two young children with her.
The victims included her 9-year-old son Roman Rossman and 5-month-old baby Mecca Means.
New York State Police responded to the scene around 9 p.m. after receiving reports of the incident. The investigation revealed that Means had stepped over the guardrail at the popular overlook, which has a nearly 200-foot drop to the waters below.
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation by state authorities. As of Wednesday, rescue teams have been unsuccessful in their attempts to locate the bodies of the mother and her two children.
Luna Island, where the incident occurred, is one of several viewing areas at Niagara Falls State Park. The location is somewhat secluded from the main grounds, connected by a causeway over a river channel. A chest-high railing serves as the only barrier between visitors and the deadly drop.
The park, which welcomes more than 8 million visitors annually, is operated by the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation and remains open 24/7.
Friends of Means, who worked as a domestic violence counselor and was educated in Buffalo, have taken to social media to express their grief. Friend Kayshawna Morgane shared her thoughts on Facebook:
I have been speechless and crying and couldn't sleep at all. My heart is broken. Mental health is no joke.
Another friend, Mich Molina, expressed her devastation at the loss:
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.
This tragic event adds to a series of similar incidents at the landmark. In 2023, another mother jumped into the Niagara Gorge with her five-year-old son. While the mother did not survive, rescue workers successfully saved the child's life.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of preventing such tragedies at natural landmarks. The accessibility of Niagara Falls, combined with its minimal safety barriers, has made it a location of concern for public safety officials.
The loss of Means and her children has deeply affected the Niagara Falls community. As a domestic violence counselor, Means had dedicated her career to helping others through difficult times. Her sudden departure has left colleagues and friends struggling to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support systems. Local authorities continue to encourage individuals experiencing crisis to seek help through available resources, including the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988.
