Aside from the coins that were discovered among the rubble, researchers also came across something grimmer: a couple of human bodies strewn throughout the rock piles. Among them were the remains of one young man, who they believed to have perished from suicide after jumping over the falls to his death. They also discovered the body of a young woman, who most likely died in the same fashion.
After all, unfortunately, these types of things are all too common at The Niagara Falls.
As eager as everyone was to get the ball rolling on the project, there were also doubts crossing the minds of locals. They knew that it had to be done, but they were worried that without the main area attraction – the 100+ thousand gallons of rushing water – that the economy would take a nosedive.
But still, they decided to go ahead with the plan. After all, even if the local economy suffered temporarily during the process, it would all be worth it in the end. Not only would this project improve the aesthetics; it would also help protect and preserve the falls.
When the water stopped, an odd thing happened that no one was expecting. Sure, the visitor numbers initially slumped, but once everyone realized what they were missing out on, they picked right back up.
People were interested in seeing what the falls looked like sans water, so tourism numbers never dropped that dramatically. Plus, everything was set to be wrapped up in just a few months, so the concerns faded away fast.
Those unfortunate deaths were just two of many that happen around there each year. As beautiful as an area as Niagara Falls is, it attracts quite a few visitors looking to end their lives, just as it attracts those simply looking to witness its beauty. There are an estimated 40 deaths or so to occur at the falls every year. And, out of those 40, more than half of them are deemed to be suicides.
Just earlier this year, witnesses at the falls reported a man who climbed over the ledge, “in crisis,” jumped, and vanished into a watery grave – or did he? As it turns out, bystanders found him sitting on the rocks below not long after.
But not all of the people to topple over the falls are doing so to end their lives. Although, everyone to do it is quite aware of that being a risk. Though some of the people to go over are trained, professional stunt people, who jump in a barrel and ride the falls like some sort of water park coaster.
It may sound insane, but there have actually been quite a few people to attempt the barrel rides.