Chris Flanagan, the principal of Madeira Elementary School in Cincinnati, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 24, 2023. His sudden death left the community in shock and grief, as he was widely regarded as a beloved educator, leader, and friend. In this article, we will explore the details of his life, his achievements, and his cause of death.
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Who was Chris Flanagan?
Chris Flanagan was born on July 14, 1972, in Colchester, Vermont, to Jerry and Judy Flanagan. He was the oldest of five children, and had two brothers, Patrick and Michael, and two sisters, Katie and Megan. He graduated from Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, VT, and from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, with a Bachelor of Arts. He earned his Master’s degree in Education Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.
Chris met his wife, Danielle Momper, while doing the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Portland, Oregon, after college. They married on August 1, 1998, and had four children: Jack, Maggie, Emma, and Molly. Chris was a devoted husband and father, who loved spending time with his family and friends.
Chris started his career as a teacher at Finneytown Local School District in 1998, where he worked for 12 years. He then became an assistant principal at Forest Hills Local School District, and later the principal of Ayer Elementary School. In 2016, he joined Madeira City Schools as the principal of Madeira Elementary School, where he served until his death.
Chris was known for his passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to education. He was a visionary leader, who inspired and empowered his students, staff, and colleagues. He was also a caring and compassionate person, who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He was involved in many community activities and events, and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
How did Chris Flanagan die?
Chris Flanagan died on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. He was 50 years old. The cause of his death was a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. According to Rational Insurgent, Chris’s cause of death is unknown, and some reports in the media suggest that he may have died a natural death. However, according to his obituary, he died of a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition.
A pulmonary embolism can occur when a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the leg or pelvis, and travels to the lungs. This can happen due to various risk factors, such as prolonged immobility, surgery, injury, cancer, pregnancy, birth control pills, smoking, obesity, or genetic disorders. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, sweating, fainting, or rapid heartbeat. If not treated promptly, a pulmonary embolism can cause damage to the lungs, heart, or other organs, and can be fatal.
The treatment for a pulmonary embolism depends on the severity of the condition, and may include medication, surgery, or other procedures to dissolve or remove the clot. The prevention of a pulmonary embolism involves reducing the risk factors, such as staying active, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking blood thinners if prescribed.
How did the community react to Chris Flanagan’s death?
Chris Flanagan’s death was a huge loss for the Madeira City Schools and the wider community. His death was announced by the superintendent of the district, Kenji Matsudo, who said that Chris was “the brightest light in the room, and we are grieving a tragic loss of a loving husband, father, friend and colleague.” The district canceled classes on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, to allow students and staff to mourn and cope with the news. The district also provided counseling and support services for anyone who needed them.
The community also expressed their condolences and tributes to Chris and his family on social media, and through cards, flowers, and donations. A GoFundMe page was created to support his family, and raised over $126,000 by Friday, April 28, 2023. The governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff throughout the city of Madeira on Monday, May 1, 2023, the day of Chris’s funeral.
Chris’s funeral was held on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Montgomery, OH. The funeral was live streamed for those who could not attend. A “Route of Remembrance” was also organized, where people lined up along the streets of Madeira to show their support and respect for Chris and his family, as the funeral procession passed by the schools where he worked.
Chris Flanagan was a remarkable man, who touched the lives of many people with his kindness, generosity, and leadership. He will be greatly missed and remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, and in the schools and community he served.
