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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1901, 63-year old Annie Taylor was the first person so survive the barrel ride over the falls. Riding in an airtight wooden barrel with air compressed to 30 psi, she toppled over the edge and emerged with just a few bruises and bumps. Taylor expected her stunt to bring her fame and fortune – and, while it may have brought her some fame, she never saw the fortune she expected.
Annie passed away in poverty, but not before warning others that, “no one ought ever to do that again.” But did they listen? Of course not.