New York Mom, 33, and Her Two Children Lose Their Lives – Details

In a heartbreaking incident, a New York woman and her two young children died after visiting Luna Island and falling over Niagara Falls. The father of one of the children is now raising money to help cover funeral costs and to honor their memory.

On October 29, 2024, the New York State Police shared on its website that they were looking into the deaths of Chianti Means and her two children. The family had been visiting Niagara Falls, New York, when the tragic event happened.

The day before the State Police shared the news, authorities responded to an emergency near Goat Island around 9 p.m. The New York State Park Police and Criminal Investigation team also arrived at the scene.

Investigators found that 33-year-old Chianti Means from Niagara Falls, New York, and her two children, 9-year-old Roman Rossman and 5-month-old Mecca Means, fell over the safety rail on Luna Island into Niagara Falls.

Reports suggest Chianti allegedly threw her children over before jumping herself. The State Police stated, “The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional, though the details are still being looked into.”

Rescue teams from State Police and Park Police searched the area, but the family was not found. Various groups, including the Park Police Drone Unit, Marine Patrol, and Underwater Recovery Unit, are all helping with the investigation.

Chianti’s cousin, Bierra Hamilton, revealed that Chianti had been struggling with postpartum depression. She dismissed online rumors that Chianti ended her life because of a breakup, saying, “She was battling depression alone. Postpartum depression is very real and needs a cure.”

Bierra remembered Chianti as a loving mother and family member. She said, “I never had a bad memory with her. She was full of life and wisdom. We will miss her and her kids so much.”

Chianti’s social media posts a month before her death seemed to show her struggles. On September 29, she wrote, “I wish someone would love me because the man who’s supposed to does not.” Her profile showed her status as married.

On October 1, she shared two more worrying messages: “Hold on to the ones you love. You never know when you might lose them.” In another post, she wrote, “Everyone leave me alone, I’m in love with my daughter’s father. I want my family back.”

Roman and Mecca appear to have different fathers. In a 2018 Facebook post, Roman was shown with his dad, John Wayne Rossman.

A month after the tragedy, the Niagara Tourism Facebook page shared photos of Chianti and her children, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Chianti Means, Roman Rossman, and Mecca Means, who tragically lost their lives this week at Niagara Falls.”

Chianti’s Facebook posts also showed her love for her son. In 2017, she shared an image saying, “I love my son! I gave him life… he gave me a reason to live.”

In November 2024, Roman’s father started a GoFundMe page, hoping to raise $20,000 for funeral costs and to honor the family. He wants to create a memorial on Luna Island for his son, Roman.

He plans to hold a memorial service on January 30, 2025, which would have been Roman’s tenth birthday. The funds will go toward funeral costs, burial sites, and headstones.

John said he visits the island every day and will continue to do so until his son, whom he loved dearly, can rest peacefully. He thanked everyone who has offered support and prayers during this difficult time.