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New York State Police are investigating a heart-wrenching incident that resulted in the tragic deaths of a mother and her two young children at Niagara Falls State Park. Chianti Means, 33, and her children, Roman Rossman, 9, and Mecca Means, just 5 months old, fell to their deaths on October 28 after reportedly bypassing safety measures in the area, according to police reports.
Authorities received a distress call around 9 a.m. regarding the incident, specifically on Goat Island, a popular tourist destination within the park. “Investigation determined that three individuals… crossed over the safety guard rail and went over Niagara Falls on Luna Island (attached to Goat Island),” stated New York State Park Trooper James O’Callaghan.
Despite extensive search efforts, police were unable to recover the victims’ bodies initially. However, they have indicated that the circumstances surrounding the incident suggest that the deaths were “intentional in nature.” The investigation remains active, with officials working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic loss, reported E! Online.
In a press briefing on October 30, Trooper O’Callaghan provided insights into the ongoing investigation. “They went there and they never came out,” he shared with reporters, summarizing the current state of the inquiry. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting, “It’s not something where they just stumbled in,” highlighting the multiple security measures in place to prevent such incidents at the Falls.
Although O’Callaghan refrained from disclosing specific witness testimonies due to the investigation’s sensitive nature, he acknowledged that the information gathered so far has been concerning. “It is alarming what they told us,” he remarked, indicating that there may be more to uncover regarding the circumstances surrounding the event.
“What were the actual circumstances of how that went down?” O’Callaghan pondered aloud. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “That is the part that we may be able to solve or we may never know.” However, he reiterated the belief that no other parties were involved, reassuring the public that the investigation remains focused on understanding the family’s motivations.
“Based on the information we have,” he continued, “we do know it was an intentional act, but the reason why is tougher to answer.” This statement leaves many questions lingering as the investigation unfolds, leaving friends and family members of the victims grappling with their immense loss.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community of Niagara Falls, where residents and visitors alike are mourning the loss of the mother and her two children. As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, the focus will be on uncovering the truth and providing closure to those affected.
As the investigation continues, New York State Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could assist in understanding the events leading to this heartbreaking tragedy. The family’s grief is felt by many, and the community is left to reflect on the lives lost in such a devastating manner.
