On the evening of October 28, 2024, a tragic event unfolded at Niagara Falls, leaving a community reeling in shock and sorrow. Chianti Means, a 33-year-old mother from Niagara Falls, New York, along with her two young children, 9-year-old Roman Rossman and 5-month-old Mecca Means, was involved in a devastating incident that has been classified as a murder-suicide. This tragedy has not only claimed three lives but has also raised critical questions about mental health, domestic disputes, and the resources available to families in crisis.
Timeline of Events
Around 9:00 PM on that fateful night, law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Park Police and the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, responded to a reported incident on Goat Island, adjacent to the iconic Niagara Falls. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic atmosphere as emergency responders searched for the missing individuals. Unfortunately, it was later determined that Chianti Means had intentionally crossed over the safety guardrails on Luna Island with her children, leading to a tragic plunge over the falls.
The Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams quickly mobilized, employing a range of resources including the New York State Park Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems, NYSP Marine Patrol, NYSP Aviation, and the Underwater Recovery Unit, alongside local law enforcement. Despite their efforts, the bodies of the mother and her children were recovered hours later, leaving a profound sense of loss and unanswered questions about the events leading up to the tragedy.
The Family Dynamics
Chianti Means was a graduate of the University of New York in Buffalo and was described by friends and family as a devoted mother who loved her children deeply. However, in the months leading up to this heartbreaking event, Chianti and her husband, Jeff Wit, had been experiencing significant difficulties in their relationship. Reports suggest that the couple had been facing a troubling domestic situation, which included discussions about a temporary separation.
Jeff Wit, identified as the father of Roman and Mecca, expressed concern for the well-being of his family during this tumultuous time. Family members revealed that while the couple had once shared a loving relationship, they were struggling to navigate their differences. The emotional weight of this domestic strife seemed to culminate in a tragic decision that would change the course of their lives forever.
Understanding the Incident
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
According to law enforcement officials, the investigation into this incident has determined that Chianti Means’s actions were intentional. While the precise motivations remain unclear, the circumstances surrounding the family’s struggles have become a focal point for understanding the tragedy. “We are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident,” stated a spokesperson for the New York State Police. “It is a painful reminder of the struggles many families face, and we are committed to supporting the community during this difficult time
