A New York woman and her two children died after reportedly jumping into Niagara Falls on Monday night. New York State Police identified the mother as 33-year-old Chianti Means, who stepped over the guardrail at Luna Island with her two children—nine-year-old Roman Rossman and five-month-old Mecca Means—before falling to their deaths. Authorities confirmed the jump was "intentional." The bodies have not yet been recovered.
"On October 28, 2024, at approximately 9:00 P.M., New York State Park Police and the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to an incident on or around Goat Island in Niagara Falls, NY. Investigation determined that three individuals, Chianti Means, 33-years-old, Roman Rossman, 9-years-old and Mecca Means, 5-months-old all of Niagara Falls, NY crossed over safety guild rail and went over Niagara Falls on Luna Island (attached to Goat Island)," New York State Police said in a press release.
"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."
Who was Chianti Means?
According to her LinkedIn profile, Chianti Means worked as a domestic violence counselor. She lived in Niagara Falls along with her kids.
Following her passing, several friends took to social media to share tributes.
"I can’t even bare to write a post about her and share memories. 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," one person wrote on Facebook.
Another person wrote, "I hope they find the bodies so the family can make funeral arrangements. May they all Rest In Peace and condolences to the family."
A third person wrote, "Praying more than ever for the ones who have to endure such losses."