5-Year-Old Boy Miraculously Survives 90-foot Fall Into Niagara Gorge as Mother Tragically Dies

Photo: (Photo : Daniel Slim/Getty Images)

A 5-year-old boy miraculously survived the jump at Niagara Falls.

Emergency responders were called to Niagara Falls State Park following a tragic incident involving a mother and son.

The two individuals, identified as Angela Berti and her 5-year-old boy, reportedly jumped approximately 90 feet from a sheer cliff overlooking the Niagara Gorge.

Despite efforts to save her, Berti succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

5-year-old boy miraculously survives jump in Niagara Gorge

According to The Sacramento Bee, the latest incident occurred on Goat Island, next to Niagara Falls. The woman, along with her 5-year-old son, jumped from a sheer cliff overlooking the river.

The pair tumbled about 90 feet and landed near the bottom of the gorge alongside the river's edge. The mother did not survive the fall, and her body was flown by helicopter from the bottom of the gorge to the coroner's office.

Niagara Falls firefighters had to undertake the daring task of walking across the icy terrain to reach the pair. Despite the nice weather, it is very icy down the Niagara Gorge.

According to Capt. Chris Rola of the State Parks Police, the terrain down there is extremely challenging. However, the rescuers made every effort for the child, who was still alive at the time, provided life-saving care, and did everything they could.

As reported by Express, the 5-year-old boy suffered a head injury and was airlifted to Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo. His current condition is yet unknown since the remaining family of the 5-year-old boy has not made it public.

The rescue operation was a reminder of the immense difficulty in responding to emergencies in the area.

The area's rocky terrain, fast-moving waters, and treacherous conditions make it a challenging place to reach for rescuers.

The Niagara River, which flows between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, can reach a depth of up to 170 feet, making it even more challenging for rescue personnel.

According to Capt. Chris Rola, the police believes that the mother and son jumping off was not a mistake.

They had been at the park with the woman's husband before the fall, but authorities were still investigating what may have caused the incident. The police were interviewing the husband and other witnesses.

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Niagara Falls rescue

According to the New York Post, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls, has become a tragic "hotspot" for suicide attempts. The falls have a reputation as a place where individuals go to end their lives, much like California's Golden Gate Bridge and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

It attracts people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. It is sad that natural wonders are often the site of these tragic incidents.

The vast size and power of the falls make it a particularly dangerous location for suicide attempts, and the area sees a high number of these incidents each year.

Rescuers face enormous challenges in responding to these incidents due to the sheer size and complexity of the area. The Niagara River is fast-moving and treacherous, and the falls present significant hazards to anyone attempting a rescue.

Despite the best efforts of first responders and park officials, many attempts to rescue individuals who have gone over the falls have been unsuccessful.

The frequency of suicide attempts at Niagara Falls is a troubling issue that continues to pose challenges for those tasked with maintaining public safety in the area.


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