A school principal who jumped to his death at Disneyland after sharing a suicide note on Facebook wanted to bring an end to his "toxic" marriage, his daughter claimed in a new interview.
Christopher Christensen, 51, who had been the principal of Huntington Beach, California elementary schools for more than two decades, ended his life last week - just two days before he was due to appear in court on child endangerment and battery charges.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, his 26-year-old daughter Brittany claimed that his wife Marlena was "abusive" and that her late father felt ending his life was to only way to leave the relationship.
Brittany, who was one of Christopher's three children from a previous marriage, told the UK newspaper: "The charges were inaccurate. [Marlena] has been very difficult in our family for about the last year, and we haven't had any contact with her."
She continued: "I'd just now started regaining contact with him over the last two weeks, and it's been really great. He'd been trying to figure out how to leave her. In my opinion, it seems like this, in his mind, was his way out of his relationship.
"She's been abusive to our entire family for five years. That's why we don't have any contact with her any more."
Brittany also shared cruel text messages she says Marlena had sent her after they had an argument in April.
"You're a horrible disgusting excuse for a daughter and sister. Go find your Dad, play the hero. But it's me he will be missing I the morning," the widow reportedly wrote in a message on April 24.
Brittany also alleged that her stepmother keyed her car at her apartment in Costa Mesa after the argument. The grieving daughter filed a police report following the incident, saying it caused $6,000 of damage.
Before Christopher took his life, he shared a lengthy note on Facebook, slamming the endangerment and battery charges charges him.
He said: "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."
Christopher went on to say that Marlena called the police following their argument - a decision that he says she later "regretted". He said that as a result of this brush with the law, he was on the brink of losing his job.
He continued: "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!
"In fact, take a look at the attached screenshots of Marlena’s message to my friend about the matter. She too, had no intention on 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!"
He concluded his post urging people to be kind to one another, adding: "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 really have long-lasting and extremely damaging effects on a person’s life."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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