The school principal who jumped to his death at Disneyland after posting a suicide note on his Facebook account was the son of a renowned Disney theme parks music director.
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.
His body was found on Saturday (December 3) around 9:00 PM local time after it was reported that a man had been seen falling from the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Police ruled that he likely died by suicide.
Christopher was the son of James "Jim" Christensen, the longtime director for the Disney theme parks.
Jim, who died in 2020 at the age of 84, was the music director for Disneyland's Main Street Electrical Parade. It was for this parade that he co-composed the orchestration and also created arrangements for the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, according to Theme Park Insider.
Jim was also the music director and conductor of the Disney All-American College Orchestra from 1984 to 1992 at Epcot's American Gardens Theater, per the outlet.
Before Christopher took his life, he shared a lengthy note on Facebook, slamming the endangerment and battery 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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