Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. The falls, consisting of 3 falls, border the Northern United States in New York and Southern Canada in Ontario. They’re so magnificent and powerful that government officials have implemented safety regulations to ensure people keep a safe distance, including a $10,000 trespassing fine. Despite the warnings, there’s still an occasional accidental slip or, worse, an attempted suicide. Recently, a mother and her son fell into Niagara Falls, but the reason is still being investigated.
Rescuers Scale Niagara Falls
On February 12th, 2023, police received multiple calls regarding a woman and child who’d fallen 90 feet down the gorge. In this case, responders arrived at 12:30 p.m. and rescued the 5-year-old boy, now in critical condition. However, his mother sustained life-threatening injuries and died on the scene.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department worked in tandem with the Park’s police to carefully traverse down 300 feet of icy terrain to provide life-saving measures. “Although today it’s nice out, it’s very icy down there. It’s real tough terrain that our guy and our girls were able to get through and get to them and provide that life-saving care and do everything they could but, as far as putting other people at risk, we were going to make every effort for that child that was still alive at the time.” said Police Captain Chris Rola.
Explaining the Pair’s Condition
He held a press conference shortly after the events, stating, “Our rescuers, along with Niagara Falls Fire Department, were able to reach pretty quickly both of the victims.” He also disclosed that investigators believe the mom and son jumped into Niagara Falls “deliberately after climbing over a railing.” The 34-year-old mother was taken to the coroner’s office. Meanwhile, the boy “was stable enough to be brought out and taken up on the elevator for the Cave of the Winds. He was then transported by Mercy Flight.” Rola explained. The 5-year-old was taken by Mercy Flight to John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. The boy although, partially conscious, is in critical condition.
Reasons Still Unknown
The pair visited Niagara Falls from Illinois with the boy’s father. As of now, it’s unclear why the family was in the Niagara Falls area. Because police also don’t know what happened to lead to the tragic fall, they’re currently conducting an investigation headed by local state police. They intend to speak with the boy’s father and other witnesses of the incident hoping to piece together some answers.
The identities of the pair have not been disclosed, but investigators now believe this not to be an accident. “We are not releasing any names due to the possibility of this case being a suicide,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, a local State Police spokesman. As of Thursday, February 17th, it’s been reported that the boy is still in critical condition, and the investigation is ongoing.
Keep Reading: Fit and Healthy 10-year-old Girl Tragically Dies Suddenly After Collapsing from Suspected Brain Hemorrhage
Sources
- Officials believe mom intentionally jumped into gorge, killing herself and wounding son, 5.” People. Nicole Acosta. February 17, 2023.
- “Illinois mom, 34, deliberately jumps off Niagara Falls with son, 5, and dies: Boy survived.” Daily Mail. Neirin Gray Desai. February 17, 2023.
- “Woman dies and and 5-year-old son injured after falling into gorge.” Law & Crime. Kolin Kalmbacher. February 15, 2023.
- “Mother dead, 5-year-old son in critical condition after falling 90 feet into Niagara Gorge.” People. Nicholas Rice. February 16, 2023.
- “Incident at Niagara Falls that killed mother, injured son investigated as suicide.” Buffalo News. Stephen T. Watson. Retrieved February 17, 2023.