Niagara Falls: Tributes flow for mother and two children who died after jumping from waterfall

A woman has been left completely devastated after a mum-of-two is thought to have taken the fatal plunge into Niagara Falls with her children. Chianti Means, 33, is believed to have intentionally jumped from one of the iconic waterfalls on Monday.

She is feared to have taken her little ones, including her five-month-old baby Mecca, with her as she crossed beyond the safety railings at the picturesque spot. Bystanders are said to have witnessed the horrific scene as Chianti and her kids, including nine year old Roman Rossman, fell to their deaths.

On Facebook, heartbroken friend Mich Molina expressed her sorrow, stating: "I can't even bare to write a post about her and share memories.

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"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."

Many have paid tribute to Chianti, who is thought to have been a domestic violence counsellor. One mourner posted: "You really never know what anybody is going through..." A resident of Niagara Falls—the city named after its famous cascades—Chianti reportedly climbed over the barrier at Luna Island, which lies between American and Bridal Veil Falls, parts of the much-visited site, reports the Mirror.

The search continues as neither her body nor those of her children have been retrieved from the tumultuous waters. The recovery operation carries on today.

One person posted online: "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."

Another post read: "Praying more than ever for the ones who have to endure such losses."

According to authorities, the incident occurred on October 28, 2024, at around 9:00 PM when three individuals, Chianti Means, 33, Roman Rossman, nine, and Mecca Means, five months, crossed over a safety rail and went over Niagara Falls.

The police spokesperson stated: "The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation. New York State Park Police and State Police search/rescue efforts were conducted with negative results. This incident deems no public threat to safety."

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