Elementary School Principal Allegedly Kills Himself At Disneyland

The principal of a Huntington Beach elementary school allegedly killed himself by jumping from a parking structure at Disneyland on Saturday, Dec. 3.

The officers from the Anaheim Police reportedly received a call at around 9 p.m. to a parking structure at Disneyland. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man, later identified a 51-year-old Christopher Christensen, lying dead. Christensen's death was ruled a suicide by the police officials, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported.

Christensen served as the principal at William T. Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, beginning this school year. Prior to that, he served a total of 22 years working as part of the Fountain Valley School District, including as the principal of Roch Courreges Elementary, Fulton Middle School, and the since-closed Moiola K-8 School.

"Christensen has been a respected leader in 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."

On his Facebook page, Christensen wrote that he had been put on administrative leave from his position after a recent argument with his wife landed him in jail that night. He denied physically hurting his wife or his stepdaughters. He suggested that his wife truly regrets making the call to the authorities because the events of that night completely unraveled both of their lives, Washington Examiner reported.

Christensen was facing charges of child endangerment and battery. He had pleaded not guilty to both charges and was due in court on Monday.

“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!” Christensen wrote. “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 really is unfortunate!”

Christensen is survived by his wife, three children, and two stepchildren.