Nearly a week after a New York mother and her two children plunged to their deaths in Niagara Falls, a family member claimed the mother suffered from postpartum depression. Chianti Means, 33, and her children, Roman Rossman, 9, and Mecca Means, 5 months old, died on October 28. Now, the mother’s cousin, Bierra Hamilton, wants the world to know what she believes happened.
Hamilton posted on Facebook that Means did not end her life because of a man, and she wants the trolls to stop spreading rumors about a woman who can no longer defend herself.
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Hamilton said her cousin fought a silent battle.
In an interview with the New York Post, Hamilton said Means did not end her life or the lives of her children because of a man. “Understand this — postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure,” Hamilton explained. “Her death wasn’t over a man. My cousin was silently fighting depression alone.”
Means, who worked as a domestic violence counselor, according to LinkedIn, raised her children as a single mom.
Means’ family loved her dearly.
Hamilton told the Post she has fond memories of Means.
“My cousin had a beautiful soul,” she said. “She loved her children and her family very much. I never had a bad memory with her. [She was] so full of life and wisdom. She and her kids will be missed so much.”
Hamilton shared a favorite memory of Means on Facebook, who posted as Diamond Scott on the social media platform.
“My favorite memory of Diamond was when me her & Quannie had a sleep over at my uncle’s house. & we giggled all night long. We laugh at nothing just was excited to be around each other,” she wrote.
Hamilton warned trolls to leave her family alone.
In the days following Means’ tragic death, her cousin posted a warning on Facebook.
“Diamond Scott did not end her life over no man. Let’s just be clear. It’s no evidence of that,” she wrote. “We don’t know the real reason all we can do is pray for her Mother and Father. My cousin trolls on Facebook just like all of us. YALL BE LOUD AND WRONG !!!!”
A commenter wrote, “My condolences to you and your family. I do not know her, but I agree with you. From what I seen and know personally after having a child postpartum is real. Sorry for your loss.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Regardless of the reason a family is hurting. This is so sad,” someone else agreed.
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Loved ones gathered for a vigil for Means and her children.
On November 1, Lisa Giacomazza, pastor of the Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church, organized a candlelight vigil to remember Means and her children.
“I think that’s where these events come in,” Giacomazza told WETM. “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.”
Laura Kelemen, director of the Niagara County Department of Mental Health, told the news outlet she hopes coming together will help the community heal.
“We really need to take the opportunity to find strength in one another. Through sharing stories and sharing memories we can also build hope. That allows healing for all of the community members who are impacted,” she said.
For now, the bodies of Means and her children remain missing.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
