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Who is Marlena Christensen? Chris Christensen says wife ruined career in CHILLING note before Disneyland suicide

Elementary school principal Chris Christensen, 51 said Marlena dialed 911 during a fight, by 'letting her anger get the best of her'

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA: An elementary school principal blamed his wife for endangering his career by dialing 911 before he jumped to his death from a Disneyland multi-story parking lot two days before he was due in court on child endangerment charges. Chris Christensen, 51, the principal of William T Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, left a suicide note and took his own life in front of Anaheim parkgoers, including children who had gathered to watch the annual Candlelight Ceremony.

He blamed his wife, Marlena, for "letting her anger get the best of her", in a final post on Facebook. Chris was the son of longtime Disney theme park musical director Jim Christensen. He was charged with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and battery and was expected to appear in court Monday, December 5. "I think it is safe to say that Marlena truly regrets making that call, because the events of that night have completely unraveled both of our lives", he wrote in a lengthy Facebook note. "I need you all to know that a gentle, kind, loving and sincerely good man has been destroyed by one unfortunate night."

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Chris also took a jab at his wife, claiming that "people need to start treating each other better' and used her 'anger' as a means to show his friends how rage can 'really have extremely damaging effects on a person’s life." He was "on the brink" of losing his job because of the charges which was mentioned as one of the reasons for taking his own life. The 51-year-old said he had never hurt his wife or their daughters during the argument but that the 'extremely flawed' legal system would end up claiming the life of an "innocent man".

"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," the man told his friends. "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." 

Chris thanked his coworkers, friends, and families for his time with the district and said he loved what he did for 20-plus years. "I have truly loved educating and leading thousands of students and families as a principal in FVSD for the past 21+ years," he said. "I have made so many wonderful connections with families over the years and those who know me closely know how much I cared for my students, staff and families." 

According to his post, Chris also spent the day "reaching out to those closest" to him before dying by suicide. "This is not an ideal way to go out, but at least I get a chance to say some final words to those who I love and adore", he added. "Please, please, please be kind to one another! Treat each other with kindness and grace. 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." 

Chris asked his friends and followers earlier in the post to "Please remember me for all the good I brought to the world of education". The Fountain Valley School District, where Chris worked, confirmed his death in a statement sent to families. "Mr. Christensen has been a respected leader in FVSD for over 20 years," the statement read. "His contributions and connections to this community are immeasurable. He was a father, husband, brother, and friend to so many. His passing leaves us devastated and heartbroken."