A mum and her two children tragically died after she lept from Niagara Falls on Monday, according to New York State Police.
Chaianti Means, 33, along with her kids Roman Rossman, nine, and five-month-old Mecca Means, reportedly stepped over the safety railing, leading to their fatal fall.
Their bodies are yet to be recovered, with authorities describing the incident as “intentional”, although they confirmed that the “circumstances remain under investigation”.
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The police have been utilising unmanned aircraft and underwater resources in their ongoing probe. The family is said to have crossed the guardrail at Luna Island, a small island nestled between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which forms part of the famous tourist spot.
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Chaianti, who was employed as a domestic violence counsellor as per her LinkedIn profile, is believed to have resided in Niagara Falls. Following the heartbreaking event, friends paid tribute to the mother-of-three on her Facebook page.
A post by Mich Molina read: “I can’t even bare to write a post about her and share memories,” adding, “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.”
Niesha Eukeya commented: “You really never know what anybody is going through….RIP,”.
In 2021, a 19-year-old student who went missing was believed to have thrown herself off of Niagara Falls after a break-up.
Saniyya Dennis, 19, text her boyfriend “I think I am going to kill myself” after he broke their relationship off on April 24, 2021.
On the evening of her disappearance, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said Dennis’ boyfriend, who lives in New York City, split up wit the teen following an argument.
She tried to call him 66 times before texting him: “I’m not feeling good- I think I’m going to kill myself.”
A short while later she added: “I’m so done with my own life I’ve had enough.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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