Search Underway for Bodies of Chianti Means and Her Two Children After Tragic Jump at Niagara Falls

Tragic Jump at Niagara Falls

Authorities are searching for Chianti Means, a 33-year-old mother, and her two children, who are presumed dead after they plunged over Niagara Falls. On Monday night, Means climbed over a safety railing at Luna Island—a popular viewpoint between the American and Bridal Veil Falls—and intentionally went over the edge with her nine-year-old son, Roman Rossman, and her five-month-old baby, Mecca Means.

New York State Police responded to the scene around 9 p.m. and quickly determined that the fall was deliberate. As of Wednesday, search and rescue efforts have been unsuccessful in locating any of the bodies. The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are still under investigation.

Means, a domestic violence counselor, was a resident of Niagara Falls and had graduated from a school in Buffalo. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their shock and grief, emphasizing the importance of mental health. “My heart is broken. Mental health is no joke,” wrote friend Kayshawna Morgane. Others shared similar sentiments, highlighting the unseen struggles that many face.

Luna Island is one of several overlooks in Niagara Falls State Park, a secluded spot separated from the main areas by a causeway. The area has minimal safety barriers, with a chest-high railing that offers little protection from the 200-foot drop. The park, which sees over eight million visitors annually, is open 24/7.

This incident adds to a troubling history of tragedies at the iconic landmark. Earlier in 2023, another mother jumped into the Niagara Gorge with her son, resulting in her death, although rescuers managed to save the boy. The latest event has raised renewed concerns about safety and mental health awareness in the community.

Search Underway for Bodies of Chianti Means and Her Two Children After Tragic Jump at Niagara Falls