“Iowa Principal Dan Marburger Dies After Shielding Students in School Shooting”

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Principal Who Shielded Students During Iowa School Shooting Passes Away

An Iowa principal who bravely put himself in harm’s way to protect students during a school shooting earlier this month has tragically passed away. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger died on Sunday, according to Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

Marburger sustained critical injuries during the January 4th attack, which took place in the school’s cafeteria as students were gathering for breakfast. Tragically, an 11-year-old middle school student lost their life in the shooting, and six others were injured. The 17-year-old student responsible for the attack died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

The day after the shooting, the state Department of Public Safety praised Marburger’s selfless actions, stating that he had placed himself in harm’s way to protect his students.

The news of Marburger’s passing was shared on a GoFundMe page set up for his family. In a heartfelt post, Marburger’s wife, Elizabeth, announced his death, stating, “Dan lost his battle. He fought hard, and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.”

Following the announcement, the Perry Facebook page was inundated with condolences, with nearly 200 people expressing their sympathies within the first hour.

Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds also offered her condolences, acknowledging Marburger’s bravery in a statement, “Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.”

In honor of Marburger’s sacrifice, Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff until the day of his funeral and interment. The Governor also encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments to show their respect by flying the flag at half-staff for the same duration.

Marburger’s daughter, Claire, took to Facebook on the night of the shooting to describe her father as a “gentle giant” and expressed that it was not surprising he had tried to protect 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.”

Marburger had served as principal since 1995 and was highly regarded by the Perry community. Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation spokesman Mitch Mortvedt praised Marburger for his heroic actions during the shooting but did not provide specific details.

The shooting took place just after 7:30 a.m. on January 4th, shortly before classes were set to begin. Mortvedt revealed that the incident started in the cafeteria, with students from various grades present, before spilling outside but remaining confined to the north end of the school.

Authorities stated that the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. In addition, they discovered a rudimentary improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which required expert intervention to disarm safely.

The GoFundMe page set up for Marburger’s family has been updated to express gratitude for the outpouring of support. It stated, “All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger. This GoFundMe will continue to be used for the Marburger family as they process through and live out Dan’s legacy.”

Principal Dan Marburger’s heroic actions will be remembered for years to come, as his sacrifice has left an indelible mark on the Perry community. May he rest in peace.

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