A mother and her two children died this week after going over a safety guard rail at Niagara Falls in what New York police believe was an intentional act.
New York State Police reported that the incident occurred on Monday evening around 9 p.m. on Luna Island, a popular area overlooking the Falls. The woman, identified as 33-year-old Chianti Means, along with her 9-year-old son Roman Rossman and 5-month-old daughter Mecca Means, crossed over the rail and went over the Falls.
Passersby initially alerted authorities after witnessing the family go over the edge, and search and rescue efforts were launched, though unsuccessful. According to police, the family was from the Niagara Falls area, and investigators have since been working to determine the circumstances.
New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan told reporters that security measures at Luna Island are substantial, indicating that the area is not one where someone could accidentally fall in.
O’Callaghan confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing but stated, “Based on the information we have, we do know it was an intentional act, but the reason why is tougher to answer.” He added that police hope the investigation will eventually provide closure to the family.
