Chaianti Means Death Niagara Falls, NY – Tragic incident at Niagara Falls, a mother and her two young children lost their lives after going over the 200-foot-tall waterfall on Monday night. Chaianti Means, 33, along with her 9-year-old son Roman Rossman and her 5-month-old daughter Mecca Means, went over the falls near Luna Island after reportedly climbing over a safety guard rail, according to New York State Police. Emergency responders, including members of the New York State Police, New York State Park Police, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, arrived at the scene near Goat Island around 9 p.m. following reports of the incident.
The search efforts that ensued were a coordinated response across multiple agencies as they worked to recover the bodies and examine the surrounding area. On Wednesday, the New York State Police confirmed that their initial investigation had determined the event to be “intentional in nature.” The precise circumstances and motivations behind the tragic event, however, remain under investigation. Authorities have not provided further details on what led to the decision to cross the guard rail, an area typically restricted to visitors.
Luna Island, located adjacent to the larger Goat Island, is a frequently visited spot that provides scenic views of both the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Safety railings are in place along much of the area to prevent accidental falls, making this incident both rare and profoundly tragic. The deaths of Means and her two children have shaken the local community, raising concerns about mental health support and the effectiveness of safety measures in place at high-risk public areas like Niagara Falls. As the investigation continues, law enforcement has indicated it will release more information in due time, while also working to provide support to witnesses and first responders affected by the incident.
