In a devastating incident at one of North America’s most iconic landmarks, a mother and her two young children lost their lives after jumping over Niagara Falls on Monday night. Authorities have identified the victims as 33-year-old Chaianti Means, her nine-year-old son Roman Rossman, and her five-month-old daughter Mecca Means.
The tragedy unfolded at Luna Island, a small spot between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls where countless tourists flock each year to experience the awe of Niagara Falls up close.
A heartbreaking incident at Niagara Falls has claimed the lives of 33-year-old Chaianti Means and her two young children, who fell over the edge of Luna Island.
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Niagara Falls, with its breathtaking views and sheer natural power, is known for both its beauty and danger. Luna Island, a small area between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, draws millions of tourists each year. But it’s also a place with strict safety barriers to prevent accidents and falls.
Tragically, these barriers weren’t enough to stop Monday’s incident.
Means and her family reportedly lived locally in Niagara Falls, and, according to her LinkedIn profile, she worked as a domestic violence counselor. Her friends and community are now reeling from the loss.
Authorities responded to a call reporting the incident around 9 p.m. and quickly determined that Means took hers and her children’s life on purpose.
“The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation,” police shared in a statement.
Means’ social media is flooded with tributes from friends sharing memories and grief.
Embed from Getty Images“You never really know what someone is going through…RIP,” one of her friends shared. Another friend added, “I can’t even bear to write a post about her… Just know her and her children are dearly loved by me and my children.”
Others have taken to social media to share their condolences and theories as to why the incident might have happened.
Embed from Getty Images“Oh that is so incredibly sad. Postpartum maybe. That can be mind crushing,” one person penned on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One X user called the tragedy “horrific,” while another wrote: “heartbreaking.”
Another questioned why she took her children with her, writing, “Why take the kids though? Must have had PPD or some mental illness. Rip.”
Sadly, this tragedy is not the first of its kind.
Embed from Getty ImagesLast year, a mother from Illinois died after jumping with her five-year-old son from a 90-foot cliff into the Niagara gorge below in February, 2023. New York State Parks Police Captain, Chris Rola, subsequently revealed at a press conference that the woman’s son managed to survive the fall.
Rola also revealed the woman and her son had been visiting the park with her husband that day.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe incident was concluded to be a suicide. “We don’t believe it is an accident,” the police said at the time.
Authorities are using drones and underwater units in their investigation but have yet to recover the bodies of Means and her children.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile officials confirmed that Means’ fall was “intentional,” they have not released further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As investigations continue, the story has become a stark reminder of the unseen battles people may face behind closed doors.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis incident has the Niagara Falls community — and many beyond — calling for both reflection and more accessible mental health support.
