Huntington Beach Elementary School principal dies in apparent suicide at Disneyland
Christopher Christensen, principal of Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, died Saturday.
ANAHEIM, California. – The principal of an elementary school in Huntington Beach has died after jumping from a Disneyland parking garage, officials say.
Christopher Christensen, 51, died on Saturday. A call was received at a Disneyland parking garage just before 9 p.m., according to Anaheim police. When officers arrived, they found a dead man. On Sunday, the Orange County coroner confirmed the man was Christensen. According to official statements, Christensen’s death was a suicide.
Christensen has been principal at William T. Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach since that school year. He spent a total of 22 years in the Fountain Valley School District, including as principal of Roch Courreges Elementary, Fulton Middle School and the now-defunct Moiola K-8 School.
Photo: William T. Newland Elementary School
“Mr. Christensen has been a well-respected leader in the FVSD for over 20 years,” Fountain Valley Superintendent Katherine Stopp said in an email to the school community. “His contributions to this community are immeasurable. He was a father, husband, brother and friend to so many. His passing leaves us devastated and heartbroken.”
In a post on his Facebook page, Christensen wrote that he was suspended from his position after a recent argument with his wife “got me in jail that night.”
Christensen was charged with child endangerment and assault, to which he pleaded guilty. He was in court on Monday.
“…Please remember me for all the good I’ve brought to the world of education,” he wrote.
Christensen leaves behind his wife, three children and two stepchildren.
If you or a loved one is feeling desperate, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Crisis Center provides free and confidential emotional support to civilians and veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). Beginning July 2022, those seeking help can also call 988 to be directed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.