Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A mother and her two young children jump off from a security barrier at Niagara Falls in New York. Rescuers have still been unable to locate any of the bodies as of Wednesday, but cops have declared the victim dead on the scene.
Niagara Falls, standing at a height of 57 meters, is renowned as the most powerful waterfall in America. Its intense currents are estimated to reach a flow rate of 2,400 cubic meters (about 84,800 cubic feet) per second, showcasing its immense natural force.
The New York State Police are still investigating the incident, describing the actions as a “deliberate release,” though the full circumstances are still under review. “The investigation has determined this incident to be intentional, although the circumstances remain under investigation,” New York State Police said in a statement on Wednesday.
Rescue efforts at the falls were unsuccessful. Police have identified the victims as 33-year-old Chianti Means, her nine-year-old son Roman Rossman, and her five-month-old infant, Mecca Means. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have noted that the process could take several days.
Timeline of the Incident
According to New York Police spokesman James O’Callaghan, the incident occurred on Monday, October 29, at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time. Witnesses at the scene reported that the mother and children crossed the security barrier before they fell over Niagara Falls.
O’Callaghan explained that numerous safety measures are in place at Luna Falls, situated along the northern side of Goat Island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, making it unlikely that the incident was accidental.
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Despite these findings, the reason behind the mother’s actions remains unknown. “Based on the information we have, we know it was a deliberate act, but determining the motivation is challenging,” O’Callaghan stated, adding that investigators are working with the family to gather more information.
Previous Incidents at Niagara Falls
This incident is one of several similar tragedies reported at Niagara Falls in recent years. According to National Post, In February 2023, another woman died, and her five-year-old son was critically injured after they fell roughly 27 meters into the gorge at Niagara Falls. Rescuers reported that the boy was stable enough to be transported to Children’s Hospital. Authorities also indicated that the incident was not an accident either.
On September 9, 2023, police on the Canadian side of the falls attempted to assist a 19-year-old man, who subsequently ran from officers and jumped over a retaining wall. He was later found with no vital signs and was declared dead at the scene. The Special Investigations Unit cleared the police of any wrongdoing in that case.
Niagara Falls, one of North America’s most iconic natural landmarks, continues to draw millions of visitors each year, but incidents involving the falls serve as a sobering reminder of the area’s potential risks. Authorities emphasize safety measures at the site and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each tragic event.
(Raidi/Agung)_
