Family deny vile rumour why mum jumped with her kids off Niagara Falls

by · Irish Mirror

A mum who jumped off Niagara Falls with her children - including a four-month-old girl - was experiencing postpartum depression, her family claim.

Police say Chianti Means's actions were "intentional" as they continue to investigate her jump with her kids; Roman Rossman, nine, and four-month-old Mecca Means at the natural attraction last month. A close friend said she was "sick to her stomach" following the tragedy.

Speculation had circulated on social media the deaths stemmed from Ms Means's split with the father of her daughter, Mecca. However, Ms Means's cousin Bierra Hamilton, asserted heartbreak was not the motive behind Means's actions. She claims the 33-year-old mother was suffering from postpartum depression. This is a common type of depression that many parents - both mums and dads - experience after having a baby.

READ MORE - Pippa O'Connor shares touching advice on dealing with grief following death of beloved mum

READ MORE - Heartbroken couple lose €25,000 when over half of wedding guests didn't turn up

Ms Hamilton said: "Understand this - postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure. Her death wasn’t over a man. My cousin was silently fighting depression alone."

Chianti Means, Roman Rossman, and little Mecca Means fell to their deaths

Before her interview with New York Post on Saturday, Ms Hamilton wrote on Facebook her family did not know the "real reason" for Ms Means's actions.

But the woman was quick to shoot down on social media rumours about Ms Means's split. She swiftly responded to people spreading false information about the situation involving her cousin, who sometimes went under the name of Diamond Scott.

The Facebook post had read: "Diamond Scott did not end her life over no man. Let's just be clear. It's no evidence of that. YALL BE LOUD AND WRONG."

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth. The NHS says signs - in men and women - can include any of or a combination of the following;

  • a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
  • lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
  • lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
  • trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
  • finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby
  • withdrawing from contact with other people
  • problems concentrating and making decisions
  • frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby

The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailjo@samaritans.orgor head to thewebsiteto find your nearest branch. You matter.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.