An elementary school principal who jumped to his death from a Disneyland multi-story parking lot two days before appearing in court on child endangerment charges left a suicide note on Facebook blaming his wife for put his career in jeopardy by calling 911 when they argued out front. of his daughters.
Chris Christensen, 51, the principal of William T. Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, took his own life in front of Anaheim parkgoers, including children, who had gathered to watch the annual ceremony of candlelight.
In a recent Facebook post, he blamed his wife, Marlena, for “letting his anger get the better of her,” then called the police and landed him in jail, which she did that they put him on administrative leave from his work.
Christensen, the son of Disney theme parks music director Jim Christensen, was charged with misdemeanor child endangerment and child battery and was expected to appear in court Monday.
Christensen shared this image, along with his wife Marlena, in his latest Facebook post
In a lengthy Facebook note, he wrote: “I think it’s safe to say that Marlena truly regrets making that call, because the events of that night have completely ripped apart our lives.”
He continued: “I need you all to know that a kind, gentle, loving and genuinely good man has been destroyed by one unfortunate night.”
Christensen also took a swipe at his wife, reiterating that “people need to start treating each other better” and used his “anger” as a means to show his friends how anger can “really have extremely harmful effects on a person’s life.”
The director was “on the verge” of losing his job over the charges, which he cited as one of the reasons for taking his own life.
Christensen wrote on Facebook before his death: “I hate it when people leave this Earth with so many unanswered questions. So I hope this brings some insight and perspective.”
In a lengthy post, he said he had never harmed his wife or daughters during the argument, but that the “extremely flawed” legal system would end up leaving an “innocent man”.
“Unfortunately, two weeks ago, she and I had an argument at home in front of the girls. Shots flared and strong words were exchanged between us,” the man told his friends.
“However, at no time in this exchange did I hit, slap or hurt Marlena in any way. I also never touched the girls (never have and never will). I love girls like mine and they know it, just like everyone who really knows me.
“I am about to lose my job as I am on administrative leave until my case is ‘resolved’.
Christensen posted about his “heated argument” with his wife and being placed on administrative leave
In his final message, Christensen said he planned to spend his last day reaching out to his loved ones to tell them how much they mean to him.
Chris Christensen, 51, died Saturday after jumping from a parking structure outside Disneyland in Anaheim, California
A statement from the school district where Christensen worked said, “Mr. Christensen has been a respected leader in FVSD for over 20 years.
“So here I am…writing my final FB post for all of you.I need you all to know that a kind, gentle, loving, genuinely good man has been destroyed by one unfortunate night.
‘It’s really unfortunate! This is NOT me! This is NOT something I ever thought would happen to me,” she continued.
Christensen thanked his co-workers, friends and families for his time with the district and said he loved what he did for more than 20 years.
“I have loved educating and leading thousands of students and families as principal of FVSD for the past 21 years,” he said.
“I have made so many wonderful connections with families over the years and those who know me closely know how much I cared about my students, staff and families.”
Christensen, according to his post, also spent the day “getting close to those closest to him” before the fateful incident.
He added: “This is not an ideal way to go out, but at least I have a chance to say some final words to those I love and adore.
‘Please, please, be nice to each other! Treat each other with kindness and grace.
“There is too much anger in the world and people need to start treating themselves better. What I have shared with you above is a good example of how ‘anger’ can really have lasting and extremely damaging effects on a person’s life. person”.
Christensen said it was his wife’s choice to call police during a heated argument that led to him being placed on administrative leave on child endangerment and assault charges.
“Never in this exchange did I hit, slap or hurt Marlena in any way. I also never touched the girls (never have and never will,” Christensen wrote in his post
Christensen killed himself Saturday night in the Mickey and Friends multi-story parking lot outside Disneyland in Anaheim as park-goers gathered for the annual candlelight ceremony.
Christensen was the principal of William T. Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, Southern California
Earlier in the post, Christensen asked his friends and followers to, “Please remember me for all the good I brought to the world of education.”
The Fountain Valley School District, where Christensen worked, confirmed his death in a statement sent to the families.
‘Mr. Christensen has been a respected leader in FVSD for more than 20 years,” the statement said.
“His contributions and connections to this community are immeasurable. He was a father, husband, brother and friend to many. His death leaves us devastated and heartbroken.’
Grief counselors are being made available to students and staff, according to the district.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
