NIAGARA FALLS, NY — A 33-year-old mother climbed over the safety rail and deliberately went over Niagara Falls with her two children, a 9-year-old and a 5-month-old, New York State Police said, launching search and rescue operations on Wednesday. their efforts failed.

Authorities notified the park around 9 p.m. Monday evening and found that the family had crossed over the railroad tracks on Luna Island, a small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls that, along with Horseshoe Falls, are popular tourist draws.

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

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

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