Mother deliberately crossed Niagara Falls with her two children, New York State Police say

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A 33-year-old mother climbed over a safety rail and deliberately went over Niagara Falls with her two children, a 9-year-old and 5-month-old, according to New York State Police, who said Wednesday that search and rescue efforts were unsuccessful .

Authorities responded to the park around 9 p.m. Monday and determined that the family had gone over the rail on Luna Island, a small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls that, along with Horseshoe Falls, is a popular tourist spot.

“The investigation determined that this incident was intentional in nature, although the circumstances remain under investigation,” state police said in a news release.

Authorities are using unmanned aircraft and underwater units in the investigation.

EDITOR’S NOTE – This story contains a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach the US National Suicide and Crisis Hotline by calling or texting 988.