Chianti Means dies in fatal Niagara Falls tragedy with her two young children
Fatal Niagara Falls tragedy death of Chianti Means and her two children – Obituary
A tragic incident in Niagara Falls has left the community in shock as 33-year-old Chianti Means and her two young children died after an apparent suicide. Authorities reported that Means, accompanied by her 5-month-old baby and her young child, crossed a protective barrier at the Luna Island overlook and plunged nearly 200 feet on Monday night.
According to the New York State Police, the fall occurred around 9:00 p.m. when Means and her children fell from the popular viewpoint on the New York side of the falls. Initial findings indicate the action was intentional, though investigations are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances. By Wednesday, search teams had yet to recover any of the three bodies from the water.
Means was a domestic violence counselor based in the nearby Buffalo area. Friends and family have since expressed profound sorrow, remembering her kindness and dedication. One friend, Kayshawna Morgane, shared on Facebook, “I am heartbroken… Mental health is no joke.” Another friend, Mich Molina, expressed her deep sadness, saying, “I can barely process it… Chianti and her children meant so much to me.”
The Luna Island overlook, part of the scenic Niagara Falls State Park, is one of the more secluded spots in the park, protected by a chest-high railing. Although it draws millions of visitors annually, the area has also been the site of previous suicides. In 2023, a similar tragedy occurred when another mother jumped from the falls; though she died, her young son survived.
The community mourns the loss of Chianti Means and her children, as friends and loved ones reflect on the importance of mental health awareness and support.