Second Woman Reportedly ‘Vanishes’ Near Niagara Falls Days After A Young Mom Deliberately Plunged Into Its Depths With Her Two Kids

Niagara Falls, known for its beauty, is now drawing darker attention.

Jesse

• Published in News
• November 16, 2024

Niagara Falls has long held a mystique that draws tourists from around the world to witness its breathtaking natural power. But behind the scenic beauty, a recent series of dark tragedies have shaken the community and shone a spotlight on a silent epidemic. 

Just over a week ago, a shocking incident involving a 33-year-old mother and her two young children—nine-year-old Roman and five-month-old Mecca—unfolded near the iconic falls. 

Authorities were alerted on October 28, around 9 p.m., to a report that the woman had gone over the edge with her children. When the police arrived, they searched the area but could find no trace of them—including their bodies.

As they wondered what sort of accident could’ve possibly triggered the disturbing act, video footage revealed a much more harrowing scene. In a devastating incident that rocked communities to their core, the mother, Chianti Means, took an unimaginable step. 

She reportedly crossed the safety rail and, in what authorities described as an "intentional" act, plunged into the water at Niagara Falls with her nine-year-old son and five-month-old daughter. 

Roman was the first to enter the water, followed by Mecca and then their mother, Chianti, who climbed over the four-foot guardrail to join them. The ongoing investigation has yet to bring closure as the family and public grapple with the why.

Niagara Falls witnesses another heartbreaking plunge mere days after the first incident

Trooper James O’Callaghan, spokesperson for the New York State Police, stated that the act appeared deliberate based on witness accounts. When asked if Chianti was chasing her children, O’Callaghan confirmed, “No, we believe this was intentional.” 

But the heartache doesn’t end there. Just as the shockwaves from this tragedy were still reverberating in full force—another woman was reported missing near the falls. Witnesses allegedly saw this second, unidentified woman near Goat Island, and authorities are currently investigating.

“An immediate search of the area commenced using Park Police drone, foot searches of the gorge, and visual searches from overlooks." police shared with WGRZ.

Chianti’s cousin, Bierra Hamilton, later shared that the young mother had been suffering from severe postpartum depression. She emphasized that Chanti’s act wasn’t due to relationship issues—as some may have speculated—but due to the intense burden of untreated mental illness. 

Reports suggest Chianti Means may have deliberately jumped into Niagara Falls with her two children

The National Institute of Mental Health defines postpartum depression as a mood disorder that strikes after childbirth. The symptoms range from mild sadness to overwhelming despair, which leaves new mothers struggling with dark thoughts—like harming themselves or their children.

Bierra urged the public to understand the gravity of this mental health condition, saying, “Postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure.” 

The two cases have stirred public emotion and left many grappling with the harsh reality of mental health struggles. This is not simply a tragic story of individuals, but a call for society to better understand and address the invisible battles fought daily by many among us.

Niagara Falls may be a symbol of awe-inspiring beauty, but it also highlights the powerful—and sometimes destructive—forces of nature.

As we mourn these lives, may it drive us to support one another and to build communities that are more attuned to the needs of those quietly struggling. Perhaps with that, we can save some lives along the way.

Jesse