People enjoy a warm afternoon in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on October 21, 2024.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - New York state police are investigating a tragic incident at Niagara Falls involving a 33-year-old mother and her two children, ages 9 and 5 months, who reportedly went over the falls Monday evening.
Authorities responded to the scene around 9 p.m. and determined that the family went over the safety rail on Luna Island, located between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Police investigation points to intentional act
According to New York state police, early findings suggest that the incident was intentional, though specific circumstances are still under investigation. Police are using unmanned aircraft and underwater units in an effort to locate and gather evidence from the falls area.
Use of advanced search and rescue tools in the investigation
Efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident include deploying drones and underwater search units. Niagara Falls’ dangerous currents and terrain present significant challenges for search and recovery efforts, especially in the area around Luna Island.