Warning: This article contains information that some people will find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or at chat 988lifeline.org
A 24-year-old man has died after jumping to his death from a parking structure in Disneyland in California.
Disturbingly, this is the third such incident at the theme park since December last year, per the New York Post.
Jonah Alexander Edwards, 24, tragically leaped to his death from the six-floor, 5,000-spot Pixar Pals parking structure in Anaheim on Wednesday around 9:30PM, Anaheim Police spokesperson Sgt. Jon McClintock told PEOPLE. McClintock confirmed that the incident is being treated as a suicide.
Edwards' identity was confirmed by the Orange County Coroner’s Office Office.
Local reports confirmed that Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the community and park visitors in shock. This tragic event follows the February incident, where Marney Schoenfeld - a 46-year-old Arizona mother and talented hairstylist - also plummeted to her death from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have not yet concluded whether Schoenfeld's fall was intentional or accidental.
And back in December, 51-year-old elementary school principal Christopher Christensen jumped to his death at the same parking garage. Christensen's death, ruled as a suicide, occurred amidst personal turmoil, including pending court appearances on child endangerment and battery charges.
His daughter later attributed his actions to the "toxic" relationship with his "abusive" wife. He had served as an educator for 22 years.
This series of tragic incidents highlights a concerning trend at Disneyland’s parking facilities, with at least six suicides reported since 2010.
Additionally, the incidents underscore the broader issue of suicide in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 50,000 suicide deaths in 2022, a 2.6% increase from the previous year. Notably, about 2% of these suicides involve jumping or falling, translating to approximately 1,000 such deaths annually.
Disneyland, often referred to as "The Happiest Place on Earth," is now facing a stark contrast with these repeated tragedies at its parking structures. The theme park and the Anaheim Police Department have yet to comment on this latest incident - but it serves as a painful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health challenges and providing support to those in need.
Once again, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, free and confidential help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Additionally, if you or anybody you know is struggling with mental health, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Speaking to somebody will always help.
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