Man Who Died by Suicide at Disneyland Identified

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The Mickey and Friends Parking Garage next to an active construction site in 2019.

Credit: The Orange County Register

A man who died by suicide at Disneyland Resort on Saturday has been identified.

A 50-year-old male jumped from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure around 9:40 p.m. on December 3. Parking Trams stopped operating, and Disney Park Guests were directed away from the parking garage. Authorities investigating the scene said the death appeared to be a suicide.

A school portrait of Christensen.
Credit: Fountain Valley School District

On Sunday, SNBC13 reported that the man had been identified as Chris Christensen, an elementary school principal at Fountain Valley School District in Southern California. According to the district, Christensen had recently been promoted to principal of Newland Elementary School for the 2022 to 2023 school year.

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Christensen shared a public message on Facebook late Saturday night. Inside the Magic has chosen not to share the contents of the note, in accordance with research-backed recommendations on reporting on suicide.

Chris posing with a sign that says "Administrator"
Credit: Chris Christensen Facebook

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Family, friends, and former students banded together in the comments to try to locate Christensen. After they found out about his passing, hundreds shared memories and condolences.

Related: Fans Debate Again If Disney Should Remove Hanging Body on Haunted Mansion

Christensen leaves behind his wife, Marlena, and multiple children. Disneyland Resort has not commented publicly on this incident.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to connect with a counselor or visit the official NSPL site

*Editor’s note: This article previously contained direct quotes from and a summary of Christensen’s suicide note, posted on social media hours before his death. After learning more about the importance of reporting sensitively on suicide, we have decided to remove these and the link to the note from the story. 

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