The reason why a mum made the heart-breaking decision to jump off Niagara Falls with her two children has been revealed by her family.
Chianti Means along with her two children, son Roman Rossman, nine, and five-month old daughter Mecca Means, stepped over the safety railing at the popular tourist attraction’s Luna Island and leapt into the Niagara River on Monday October 28.
As police continue to investigate what they have described as an “intentional” act, family members have cast some light on why the 33-year-old resorted to such a tragic measure.
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Chianti’s cousin, Beirra Hamilton, has hit back at speculation on social media suggesting the deaths were related to the mum’s recent split from the father of her daughter. She claims Chianti was suffering from postpartum depression at the time, the Mirror reports.
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beirra said: “Understand this – postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure. Her death wasn’t over a man. My cousin was silently fighting depression alone.”
Beirra was quick to stand up for her cousin, slamming rumours and the false information spreading on social media about Chianti’s situation — even before she knew the “real reason” for the actions of her cousin, who sometimes went by the name Diamond Scott on social media.
She took to Facebook to say: “Diamond Scott did not end her life over no man. Let’s just be clear. It’s no evidence of that. YALL BE LOUD AND WRONG.”
(Image: Facebook)
Following the tragedy, a close friend said she was “sick to her stomach”.
Postpartum depression is a common mental health issue that many parents, both mums and dads, experience after having a baby and can happen anytime in the first year after giving birth.
Low mood and a persistent feeling of sadness, a loss of interest in the wider world, trouble sleeping and difficulty looking after yourself and your baby are all symptoms to watch for, according to the NHS.
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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