Vigil held for mother, 2 children who went over Niagara Falls

Content warning: This story contains details about a potential self-harm incident.

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) – On Friday, the community came together to remember a mother and her two children who were killed after going over Niagara Falls. A local church held a vigil to offer comfort during this time of loss.

State police say 33-year-old Chianti Means, a resident of Niagara Falls, was at Luna Island with her 9-year-old and her five-month-old Monday night when they climbed the guard rail and went over.

Police believe the 9-year-old went first, followed by the two others.

The news shocked the community including Lisa Giacomazza, pastor of the Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church. She decided to hold a candlelight prayer vigil in remembrance of the lives lost.

“I think that’s where these events come in,” explained Giacomazza. “Find the people that can listen to you, but don’t keep that inside because many people are feeling the same shock and the same worry about how this could even happen.”

Several community members attended the vigil with heavy hearts. Brief prayers and words of encouragement were read before attendees lit candles.

Counselors from the Niagara County Mental Health Office were also on hand for anyone needing to talk.

“We really need to take the opportunity to find strength in one another,” said Laura Kelemen, director of the Niagara County Department of Mental Health. “Through sharing stories and sharing memories we can also build hope. That allows healing for all of the community members who are impacted.”

Giacomazza says Niagara Falls has always been a tight knit community. She hopes Friday’s vigil brought a little bit of light on the past few dark days.

“We wanted to create a space for our community to come together and to heal and to begin that process,” said Giacomazza. “To really take time to be engaged with one another because we all need that.”

Means’ family and the Leverette family said in a statement to WIVB News 4 that they will be holding a private vigil for family only and will host a separate service at a different time.

“We are heartbroken about the circumstances surrounding our beloved Chianti and her children, Roman and Mecca. This situation leaves us with many unanswered questions and immense sadness for our family and her close friends,” the families said in the statement. “As we navigate this challenging time, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding. We are deeply grateful for the love and support of family and friends.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available now. Erie County’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day: 716-834-3131. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day: Simply call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For more information, visit CrisisServices.org.

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Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.

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