Accident – death – Obituary News :

Principal Who Protected Students During School Shooting Passes Away

Des Moines, Iowa – An Iowa principal who courageously put himself in harm’s way to shield students during a school shooting earlier this month tragically passed away on Sunday. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, critically injured during the attack, succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

The tragic incident took place on January 4th when the school shooting began in Perry High School’s cafeteria. Students were gathering for breakfast before class when chaos ensued. Tragically, an 11-year-old middle school student lost their life, and six others sustained injuries. The 17-year-old shooter also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Recognizing his selflessness and bravery, the Iowa Department of Public Safety acknowledged Principal Marburger’s heroic actions, stating that he fearlessly placed himself in harm’s way to protect his students.

The news of Principal Marburger’s passing was initially shared on a GoFundMe page created for his family. His wife, Elizabeth, announced the devastating loss, mentioning that he passed away at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday. She expressed, “Dan lost his battle. He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.”

Following the announcement, a wave of support flooded the Perry Facebook page, with nearly 200 individuals offering their condolences within the first hour.

In a heartfelt Facebook post on the night of the shooting, Principal Marburger’s daughter, Claire Marburger, described her father as a “gentle giant” and highlighted that it came as no surprise that he valiantly shielded his students. She wrote, “As I heard of a gunman, I instantly had a feeling my Dad would be a victim as he would put himself in harm’s way for the benefit of the kids and his staff. That’s just Dad.”

Principal Marburger had served as the school’s principal since 1995, making a lasting impact on the Perry community for nearly three decades.

Mitch Mortvedt, spokesman for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, commended Principal Marburger’s extraordinary efforts to protect others during the shooting. While specific details were not disclosed, Mortvedt stated that Marburger had undertaken significant actions to ensure the safety of students and staff. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks hailed him as a “hero” for his intervention, allowing students to escape from the teenage gunman.

Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of 11-year-old sixth grader Ahmir Jolliff, who was shot three times.

The shooting occurred just after 7:30 a.m. on January 4th, shortly before classes were scheduled to resume after winter break. The initial outbreak took place in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. Although the chaos spilled outside the cafeteria, the incident was contained to the school’s north end.

Authorities revealed that the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. In addition, law enforcement discovered a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device in Butler’s belongings, which experts safely disarmed.

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Associated Press reporter Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

Principal Marburger’s passing marks an immense loss for the Perry community. His heroic actions will forever be remembered, and his dedication to the safety and well-being of his students serves as an inspiration to all.

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