NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Ongoing sadness has blanketed Niagara Falls, Following the tragedy at Niagara Falls State Park on Monday..

As family, friends and the community tried to make sense of it all, Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Pastor Lisa Giacomazza opened the church doors to mourn.

“We would like to express our condolences to Chianti, also known as Diamond, and the family of her two children,” said Lisa Giacomazza, Pastor of Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church. he said. “We wanted to offer an opportunity for the community to turn the page, to begin to heal. We also wanted to offer an opportunity for people to know that no one is hopeless and no despair is too deep.”

A candlelight vigil was held and counselors from the Niagara County Office of Mental Health were present.

“Sometimes we wait until the crisis becomes too big, but you don’t have to wait to call crisis services. They can help you somehow transform your anxiety into something that seems less scary,” Giacomazza said.

Although Chianti Means was not a member of this church, its members were close to the family.

Friends of the 9-year-old child, who lost his life together with his mother, held a moment of silence by lighting candles.

“Because we are faith-based, we pray with them. Offer to support them with their faith and belief, but the best thing you can do is just be there. Just be with them,” Giacomazza said. he added.

Selected Fellowship, VOH Center Associate Pastor Joyce Sconiers said: “It’s hard. There are little ones in the school system who are going through this. I don’t know what they’re going to make of it. So it’s important for us that the community has different ways that people can come and share.”

First the sermon was read, then the prayer was read.

Pastor Sconiers hopes moments like these remind people that they are not alone.

“We’re sorry. We’re grieving and it’s okay to grieve and it’s a good thing to be part of a community like Niagara Falls, but it’s also a good thing to be part of a community that allows you to grieve in this church,” Pastor Sconiers said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is always help available.

• Erie County Crisis Services: (716) 834-3131
• Niagara County Crisis Services: (716) 285-3515
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988