Niagara Falls State Park Adds Safety Barriers Following Two People Jumping to their Death

Visitors to Niagara Falls State Park may notice a new safety measure in place at the iconic Prospect Point Observation Tower: a temporary barrier now separates guests from the deck’s edge.

The precaution was implemented for the first time in the park’s history following two deaths by suicide that occurred within a week of each other in June.

In the wake of these incidents, New York State Parks officials have installed temporary barricades that create a four-foot buffer between visitors and the outer railings of the viewing platform.

Rangers have also been stationed at both ends of the deck to monitor the area and provide additional safety oversight while officials work toward a permanent solution.

“We are saddened whenever someone takes their own life and send condolences to the family and friends of the victims, and we share our concern for the well-being of those who may have witnessed this occurrence,” said the New York State Parks in a statement.

Park leadership emphasized that they are reviewing steps to enhance security at the site and are working with the Niagara County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the local Department of Mental Health to evaluate long-term strategies.

The full statement can be found below:

Following Monday’s incident, as an interim measure, park staff installed a series of barricades to create a four-foot buffer in front of the observation tower deck railing and stationed ranger patrols on the deck to help discourage any future attempts.

We are also reviewing additional measures to secure this area from any future events and will further collaborate with the local Department of Mental Health and the County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition to discuss potential solutions.

The first incident took place on June 18th. While he was still being searched for, a second incident occurred on June 24th.

On both occasions, Park Police responded to reports of a person jumping from the observation deck into the water below, just feet away from the American Falls. 

A search was immediately launched involving drone surveillance, foot patrols, and boats canvassing the Niagara River Gorge.

Despite these efforts, the second individual has not yet been located.

However, authorities believe they have recovered a body from Lake Ontario that may belong to the man who jumped on June 18th.

A fisherman operating near the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Youngstown noticed what appeared to be a human body floating in the water.

He immediately contacted the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies, with assistance from the Coast Guard, retrieved the body by boat and transported it to shore.

Resources are available for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Niagara County Crisis Services can be reached at (716) 285-3515, and the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988.

Niagara Falls State Park Adds Safety Barriers Following Two People Jumping to their Death