California middle school assistant principal found dead of apparent suicide in private staff area

On Monday, a California middle school assistant principal shot himself to death while alone in a staff locker room, authorities said.

Moises Plascencia took his own life in a “private staff area” on campus at Kraemer Middle School in Orange County, district officials said in a statement posted to the school’s website.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write you this afternoon,” Principal Michael Young said in the statement.

“I am incredibly sorry to announce that our Assistant Principal Moises Plascencia took his own life earlier this morning on campus. The incident took place in a private staff area, and 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 school was evacuated for the day, with plans to resume on Tuesday. Counselors would be made available for the bereft students, school officials said, calling it an “unfathomable tragedy.”

“He was a father, husband, brother, and friend to so many in our school district community,” the district said in a separate statement.

“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.”