A heartbreaking event took place on Monday night when Chianti Means, a 33-year-old woman from the US, and her two children—a nine-year-old and a five-month-old—tragically died after jumping off Niagara Falls.
Reports indicate that Chianti intentionally climbed over a safety rail at Luna Island, a popular viewing area with a nearly 200-foot drop.
Authorities arrived on the scene around 9pm and determined that the fall was intentional.
According to the New York State Police, “The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation.” They also mentioned that search and rescue efforts yielded no results and confirmed there is no threat to public safety.
Chianti was a resident of Niagara Falls and worked as a domestic violence counselor, having graduated from a local school in Buffalo. As of Wednesday, there has been no update on the recovery of their bodies. Following the tragic news, friends and family expressed their sorrow on social media.
While the circumstances are still being investigated, the inquiry has concluded that this incident was purposeful in character. Search and rescue operations by the State Police and New York State Park Police were unsuccessful. The department also stated that there is no public safety hazard from this incident.
Chianti was a mother of two who resided in Niagara Falls with her four kids.
Tributes from friends and family began to come in shortly following the announcement of her passing. My friend Kayshawna Morgane posted on Facebook, "My heart is broken," and added, "I have been speechless and crying and couldn't sleep at all." Mental health is serious business.
"I can't even bring myself to share memories and write a post about her.I can't even handle the feelings I am experiencing, and I am genuinely nauseated. "Please know that my children and I adore her and her children," pal Mich Molina said. Another person, Niesha Eukeya, stated, "You really never know what anybody is going through,"
Sources: agencies