A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Niagara Falls on Monday, as a 33-year-old woman, identified as Chianti Means, intentionally went over a safety rail with her two young children. The tragic event occurred around 9 p.m. at Luna Island, a small island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Means, along with her 9-year-old son and 5-month-old baby, stepped over the rail and plunged into the Niagara River. Despite law enforcement responding to the scene, the bodies of the three individuals have not been located as of Thursday.
New York State Police have confirmed that the incident was intentional in nature, although the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are still under investigation. Authorities are utilizing unmanned aircraft and underwater units in the search for the missing persons.
According to State Trooper James O'Callaghan, there were no other individuals involved in the incident, and it is unlikely to have been an accident. Luna Island, where the tragedy took place, is open 24 hours a day and was dark at the time of the event.
Niagara Falls, a renowned tourist destination spanning the border between Canada and New York, attracts millions of visitors each year. The family involved in the tragedy were residents of Niagara Falls, and Means was described as a domestic violence counselor.
While details of the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, authorities have ruled out the involvement of any other parties. O'Callaghan emphasized that the family of the deceased has been cooperative with the investigation, aiding in expediting the process.
Despite the lack of indicators of mental health issues that could explain the tragic event, the investigation continues to uncover more details surrounding the apparent murder-suicide at Niagara Falls.
