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Authorities have launched a search for an unidentified woman who went over Niagara Falls Saturday evening in what is believed to be a suicide attempt, the Associated Press reported.
The iconic tourist attraction straddles the U.S.-Canada border with a separate cataract in each country. New York State Park Police told the AP the woman, estimated to be in her 40s, went over the American falls at Prospect Point.
Park Police spokesperson Randy Simons said to the AP it was apparent that the female entered the swift-moving waters on purpose to "harm herself."
According to The Buffalo News, Niagara Falls Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Fontanella told reporters gathered at the area of incident that witness video footage of the woman going over the falls was turned over to investigators. But a two-hour search above and below the cataract with assistance from Maid of the Mist crews, turned up nothing.
As the investigation continues, Niagara Falls, Ont. police will also be keeping an eye out for the woman, The Buffalo News said.
Niagara is a perennial choice for suicide attempts, with about 20-30 successful ones per year, according to a CNN story that was written in 2012, right after someone miraculously survived. CNN added that most suicides aren't publicized.
But the chances of the woman who went over the falls Saturday don't look good. According to Niagara Falls State Park the water moves over the American falls at 32 feet per second (about 22 miles per hour) and hits the rock-filled base with 280 tons of force.
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