The principal of a school in Huntington Beach was the person who committed suicide in Disneyland. Let’s see Who was Christopher Christensen and Why did he commit suicide at Disneyland in detail.
Who was Christopher Christensen?
The principal of an elementary school in Huntington Beach and a pianist who performed and taught all across Southern California fell to his death on Saturday night from a parking garage at Disneyland.
After being detained last month, Christopher Christensen, 51, of Westminster, was additionally charged with assault and criminal child endangerment. On Dec. 5, he was scheduled to appear in court.
According to Anaheim police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Christensen was discovered dead on Saturday night at about 9 p.m. after it was reported that a man had fallen from the parking structure at Mickey & Friends. He probably committed suicide, according to the police.
Beginning this academic year, Christensen served as the principal of Huntington Beach’s William T. Newland Elementary School.
He spent a total of 22 years working for the Fountain Valley School District, including as the principal of Moiola K-8 School, Fulton Middle School, and Roch Courreges Elementary.
In a communication to the student body, Fountain Valley Superintendent Katherine Stopp stated that Mr. Christensen had been a recognized leader in the district for more than 20 years. “He has made incalculable contributions to this community.
He served as many people’s father, spouse, brother, and friend. We are crushed and heartbroken by his departure.” Christensen said in a post on his Facebook page that a recent disagreement with his wife had “landed me in jail that night” and that as a result, he had been placed on administrative leave from his job.
Christensen entered a guilty plea to child endangerment and assault charges. He has a Monday court date. Please keep in mind all the excellent things I contributed to the field of education, he said in his letter. Christensen is survived by his wife, three children, and two stepchildren.
Christopher Christensen’s Final Message
On Saturday, Christensen, the former headmaster of Newland Elementary School, posted a lengthy message on his Facebook page. The message reads,
| I hate when people leave this Earth with so many unanswered questions. So, I hope this provides some insight and perspective… This is my wife, Marlena. Yes, you heard me correctly. Most of you don’t know this but we privately married 3 ½ years ago. Marlena and I love and adore each other and our relationship has been amazing…up until recently. Unfortunately, two weeks ago she and I got into a heated argument at home in front of the girls. Tempers were flared and strong words were exchanged between us. However, never in this exchange did I hit, slap, or hurt Marlena in any manner. Nor did I ever touch the girls (I never have and never will). I love the girls like my own and they know that, as does everyone else who truly knows me. Unfortunately, Marlena’s anger got the best of her that night and she called the police, which landed me in jail that night. Yes, me! A man who has never hit or harmed ANYONE in his life! I think it’s safe to say that Marlena truly regrets making that call because the events of that night have completely unraveled both of our lives. I am on the brink of losing my job, as I am out on administrative leave until my case is “resolved.” However, the legal system is extremely flawed (especially against men/fathers) and it’s sickening how quickly and easily an innocent man can be thrown in jail based on zero evidence or proof! Take a look at the attached screenshots of Marlena’s message to my friend about the matter. She too had no intention of having that night come this far. She knows I would never hurt her or the girls and she, too, has been trying to clear my name with little success. Again, the legal system is deeply flawed, to say the least! So, here I am…writing my final FB post to all of you. I need you all to know that a gentle, kind, loving and sincerely good man has been destroyed by one unfortunate night. It is unfortunate! This is NOT me! This is NOT something that I ever thought would happen to me. With all of this said, I have truly loved educating and leading thousands of students and families as a principal in FVSD for the past 21+ years. I have made so many wonderful connections with families over the years and those who know me closely know how much I cared for my students, staff, and families. Please remember me for all the good I brought to the world of education. To all of my musician friends…thank you! Thank you for performing with me over the past 30 years! We have had a blast performing all over and creating such fond memories together. Music has been a wonderful outlet for me, as it has allowed me to have a “different & creative” world outside of my “day job” as a principal. I am sad to say that last night was my final performance! However, it went very well and I am proud that my final performance was a success. I have always loved performing, especially during the holiday season. I am going to miss it dearly! There is so much more I want to say, but I am going to spend the rest of today reaching out to those closest to me to let them know how much I love them. This is not an ideal way to go out, but at least I get a chance to say some final words to those who I love and adore. Take care everyone. Please, please, please be kind to one another! Treat each other with kindness and grace. There is too much anger in the world and people need to start treating each other better. What I’ve shared with you above is a prime example of how “anger” can have long-lasting and extremely damaging effects on a person’s life. |
Why did Christensen commit suicide?
Not-guilty plea accusation
Christensen was accused of child endangerment and violence on November 22, according to records from the Orange County Superior Court. Christensen entered a not-guilty plea to each accusation.
According to court documents, the accused offenses were allegedly committed on November 15. Christensen was arrested following that and released on November 17 after posting a $10,000 bond.
On Sunday, there was no information available on the case. On Monday, a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for him in court.
Christensen previously served as the principal of Courreges Elementary School, which is part of the Fountain Valley District, for 22 years.
He commented on Facebook, “I have sincerely cherished leading and educating thousands of children and families as a principal in FVSD for the past 21+ years.”
“Over the years, I have developed a tonne of amazing relationships with families, and those who know me well are aware of how much I value my students, staff, and families. Please keep in mind all the positive things I did for the field of education.
Christensen was reportedly known to Dianna Gray for 30 years. He was the owner of Seaside Strings, which offered string ensembles for weddings and other events, in Huntington Beach. Christensen employed Gray to perform on several occasions.
Christensen was a cellist and singer, and Irvine Unified School District teacher Gray plays the violin. He was one of my favorite musicians to play with, so I loved him. I enjoyed the way he oversaw projects.
He always had a good time, was funny, and seemed to enjoy his profession. He was a highly accomplished professional and a people person, Gray noted in a Sunday interview.
The final post from “the guy” on FB before last night’s Disneyland incident…
there are ways to reach out to professionals for help and advice. If you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues do not hesitate to reach out for help! #disneyland pic.twitter.com/LjWh1plkuq— BeautifulTomorrow TV (@DisneyIRLTV) December 5, 2022
Taught instrumental music to a lot of children
According to Gray, Christensen had an impact on countless young musicians. As per his biography, he put on the Newland website, he taught middle school instrumental music at the Long Beach Unified School District before moving to the Fountain Valley district.
There will have a significant influence on many young children. His coworkers and teachers also appreciated him, according to Gray. “His students at school simply loved and worshipped him.
Christensen was associated with Disney. Jim Gray, according to Gray, was a composer for the business. Jim Christensen, a music director, is credited with helping to adapt the electric-music tune “Baroque Hoedown” for the Main Street Electrical Parade, one of the most well-known in Disney history, according to the Don Dorsey Consulting website.
His personal life
People were still arriving and departing from the theme park when Christensen passed away, so many may have seen the fall or its aftermath. Sat. night’s midnight hours in Disneyland. Two of the four yearly performances of the Candlelight Processional, which takes place at the base of Main Street in Disneyland and is attended by hundreds of smartly dressed invited guests and other park visitors, were given by an orchestra and choir.
According to his profile, Christensen received his master’s degree from UC Irvine and served as the principal of Fulton Middle School from 2006 to 2011 as well as Moiola K-8 School from 2003 to 2006 and Masuda Middle School from 2001 to 2003. He reared two stepchildren and three of his own children. Gray admitted that she was unaware of what had led Christensen to take his own life. I only had good things to say about Chris, she said.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
| If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). As of July 2022, those searching for help can also call 988 to be relayed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. |
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.
This is a tragedy. What does his wife have to say?
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