On Monday, October 28, Chianti Means, 33, tragically lost her life after climbing over a safety rail at Luna Island in Niagara Falls, accompanied by her two children, 9-year-old Roman Rossman and 5-month-old Mecca Means. Authorities confirmed that the fall was intentional, leaving friends, family, and the community devastated.
Key Takeaways:
- Who Was Chianti Means? A dedicated social worker and mother, Chianti Means, known online as “Diamond Scott,” faced personal and emotional challenges leading up to her tragic death with her two children.
- Search and rescue operations at Niagara Falls are ongoing, though no bodies have been recovered. The investigation confirms the incident was intentional, sparking further inquiry into the circumstances.
- Chianti’s story underscores the importance of mental health support, particularly for those experiencing isolation, heartbreak, or personal loss.
Who Was Chianti Means?
Around 9 p.m. on October 28, New York State Police responded to reports of a woman and two children who had gone over the rail on Luna Island, a viewing point between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, popular among tourists for its breathtaking views of Niagara Gorge. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts, including the use of underwater units and drones, authorities have yet to locate the bodies of Chianti Means and her children.
Who Was Chianti Means? Known on social media by the name “Diamond Scott,” Means shared a series of deeply personal posts in the weeks leading up to the incident. Her messages painted a picture of someone grappling with heartbreak and longing for love, with her posts detailing her pain following a separation from her children’s father.
In late September, she posted, “I wish someone would love me because the man that’s suppose[d] to does not.” On October 1, she expressed her desire to reconcile with her ex-partner, saying, “I want my family back. Respectfully Idgaf what I said about him before or what anyone else thinks.” These posts, shared under the name Diamond Scott, have sparked discussions around the importance of mental health support, especially for individuals in difficult personal situations.
Chianti Means, a resident of the Buffalo-Niagara area, had a career in social work, focusing on helping others as a domestic violence counselor. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Buffalo State University in 2019 and later obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Buffalo. Her commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals was well-known, highlighting the compassionate and empathetic side of her personality.
In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from friends and family. A close friend, Mich Molina, shared her heartbreak on Facebook, writing, “I can’t even bear to write a post about her and share memories. I am literally sick to my stomach and I can’t even deal with the emotions I am feeling.” Another friend, Kayshawna Morgane, echoed the sentiments, saying, “My heart is broken. Mental health is no joke.”
The tributes reflect the deep impact Chianti Means, also known as Diamond Scott, had on those around her. Her tragic passing has prompted a call to action for greater mental health awareness and the need to provide accessible support for individuals dealing with emotional struggles.
Why did she have to take the babies?!
Such a tragedy. She was clearly not okay.#niagrafalls #domesticabuse #chiantimeans #diamondscott pic.twitter.com/qZBiXqfZhw
— Rose (@901Lulu) October 31, 2024
New York State Police stated that the incident was intentional, though the exact circumstances are still under investigation. They continue to search for the bodies of Means and her children, with efforts focusing on underwater exploration and aerial searches. The police have requested privacy for the family and encouraged those in similar emotional distress to seek help.
This incident highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of emotional distress and offering support to those in need. The tragic story of who was Chianti Means and who was Diamond Scott reminds us all of the necessity of compassion, both in our communities and in professional support systems
