Assistant principal ‘took his own life’ in staff area of California middle school
‘Our assistant principal at Kraemer Middle, Moises Plascencia, took his own life in a private staff area,’ says the school district’s superintendent, Dr Jim Elsasser
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An assistant principal died by suicide at a middle school in California, authorities say.
Kraemer Middle School, in Placentia, went into lockdown after the faculty member, Moises Plascencia, was found dead in a “staff area” on Monday morning. The school district’s superintendent, Dr Jim Elsasser, addressed the tragedy in a statement.
“Our assistant principal at Kraemer Middle, Moises Plascencia, took his own life in a private staff area on the school’s campus this morning,” Dr Elsasser said. “Fellow staff members and students were not present nor was the occurrence witnessed by anyone. The Placentia Police Department (PPD) responded swiftly to our request for support.”
The statement did not reveal Mr Plascencia’s specific cause of death.
Cult members speak out 25 years after mass suicide of Heaven’s Gate acolytes
California nurse loses licence after treating and dating actor Stevie Ryan before 2017 suicide
Jan 6 officer’s suicide officially declared death ‘in the line of duty’
Woman in US calls police helpline in India to stop the suicide of her 74-year-old father
Sheriff's Office: Stanford goalie Meyer death ruled suicide
“Moises was so much more than a respected assistant principal,” Dr Elsasser went on. “He was a father, husband, brother, and friend to so many in our school district community. His passing, and the manner in which it occurred, has left us devastated, confused, and heartbroken; however, we ask that you please respect his family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
The superintendent added that “mental health professionals” would be available to students, parents, and staff in the district.
“While we may never make sense of or understand why this occurred, we do know that turning to each other during this time for support is essential,” he wrote.
After the lockdown, students were sent home early, but classes are expected to resume on Tuesday.
The Independent has reached out to the Placentia Police Department for comment.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments