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

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.

“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.