In a tragic turn of events, a New York resident and her children died after visiting Luna Island and falling over Niagara Falls. The father of one of the children is now raising funds to bury the trio and keep their memories alive.
On October 29, 2024, the New York State Police announced on its website that it was investigating the deaths of Chianti Means and her two young children. The family had been in Niagara Falls, New York, at the time of the incident.
The day before the State Police’s post, authorities responded to a report involving an incident on or near Goat Island around 9:00 p.m. The New York State Park Police and Bureau of Criminal Investigation also arrived on the scene.
Investigators determined that Chianti, 33, a resident of Niagara Falls, New York, and her two children, Roman Rossman, 9, and Mecca Means, 5 months old, went over the safety rail on Luna Island, falling into Niagara Falls.
Reports state that Chianti allegedly threw her children over before jumping after them. According to the State Police, “The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation.”
Both State Police and Park Police conducted search and rescue efforts, but they did not recover the trio. The New York State Park Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems, NYSPP Marine Patrol, NYSP Aviation, Underwater Recovery Unit, Niagara Falls Police Department, and Niagara Charter Schools are collaborating on the investigation.
Bierra Hamilton, Chianti’s cousin, disclosed that the mother of two had been suffering from postpartum depression. She addressed online speculation surrounding Chianti’s death, emphasizing that her cousin had not ended her life due to a breakup or “a man.”
Bierra clarified that the parent had been “fighting depression alone,” adding, “Understand this — postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure.” Mourning Chianti, she expressed, “My cousin had a beautiful soul.”
She recounted that the mother of two deeply loved her children and family, saying, “I never had a bad memory with her. [She was] so full of life and wisdom. She and her kids will be missed so much.” About a month before her death, Chianti’s social media posts appeared to hint at her struggles with mental health and a call for help.
On September 29, 2024, she posted on her “Diamond Scott” Facebook account, expressing, “I wish someone would love me because the man that’s suppose[d] to does not.” According to her profile, she had marked herself as married.
