A friend has been left “sick to her stomach” following the tragic death of mum Chianti Means and her two young children at Niagara Falls.
The trio is believed to have intentionally leapt to their deaths from one of the waterfalls in New York on Monday.
Onlookers were shocked as they witnessed Chianti, 33, along with her nine-year-old son Roman Rossman and her five-month-old baby Mecca, fall after climbing over the safety barriers.
Taking to Facebook in anguish, dear friend Mich Molina mourned: “I can’t even bare to write a post about her and share memories.
“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.”
This heartfelt tribute is amongst several for Chianti, believed to be a domestic violence counsellor.
The message from another friend resonated: “You really never know what anybody is going through…”
Hailing from the Canadian city named after the renowned falls, Chianti is said to have crossed the guardrail at Luna Island, which separates the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Despite intense search efforts, neither her body nor those of her children have yet been found.
Authorities persist in their search operations today.
Online comments have poured in expressing deep sorrow over the incident, with one individual writing: “This case is so sad! ! I wish she would have talked to someone… My heart and prayers go out to all her family and friend.”
Another added their voice, stating: “Praying more than ever for the ones who have to endure such losses.”
A police spokesperson revealed details of the tragedy that unfolded at Niagara Falls, saying: “On October 28, 2024, at approximately 9pm, New York State Park Police and the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to an incident on or around Goat Island in Niagara Falls, NY.
“Investigation determined that three individuals, Chianti Means, 33-years-old, Roman Rossman, nine-years-old and Mecca Means, five-months-old all crossed over safety guild rail and went over Niagara Falls on Luna Island (attached to Goat Island).”
“The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation. New York State Park Police and State Police search/rescue efforts were conducted with negative results. This incident deems no public threat to safety.”