It’s now believed that postpartum depression played a key role in the tragic murder-suicide involving Chianti Means, 33, who took her own life and that of her two children, Roman Rossman, 9, and Mecca Means, four months, by jumping off Niagara Falls from Luna Island.
Prior to the tragedy, Means had shared social media posts expressing sorrow over her separation from her daughter’s father, hinting at her emotional struggle. Her cousin, Bierra Hamilton, revealed that Means had been silently battling postpartum depression.
“Understand this – postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure,” Hamilton told the New York Post, emphasizing that her cousin’s death was not over a relationship but rather the result of untreated depression.
Hamilton also took to Facebook to defend her cousin against misinformation, writing, “Diamond Scott did not end her life over no man. Let’s just be clear.” She went on to express her heartbreak, sharing, “My cousin had a beautiful soul. She loved her children and her family very much… She and her kids will be missed so much.”
Authorities have confirmed the incident was “intentional,” based on security footage showing Roman going over the railing first, followed by Mecca, and then Means around 9 p.m. The footage indicates that Means did not appear to be chasing after her children.
A candlelit vigil was held in memory of Means and her children. However, their bodies have yet to be recovered, and due to the intensity of Niagara Falls’ waters, authorities have warned they may never be found.
Means, who lived with her family in Niagara Falls, worked as a domestic violence counselor, per her LinkedIn profile.
