Accident – death – Obituary News :

Iowa Principal Dies After Heroically Protecting Students During School Shooting

Des Moines Community Mourns the Loss of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger

An Iowa community is in mourning after the tragic loss of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who heroically sacrificed his life to protect students during a school shooting on January 4th. Marburger, critically injured during the attack, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

The shooting, which took place in the school’s cafeteria as students were gathering for breakfast, claimed the life of an 11-year-old middle school student and injured six others. The 17-year-old shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Marburger’s courageous actions were acknowledged by the state Department of Public Safety, stating that he “acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.”

News of Marburger’s untimely death was first shared on a GoFundMe page created by his wife, Elizabeth. The post expressed the family’s heartbreaking loss and gratitude for the support they received during their difficult journey. The Perry Facebook page was flooded with condolences, with nearly 200 people expressing their sympathies within the first hour.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds offered her condolences, stating, “Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death. 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, Governor Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff until the day of his funeral and interment. The statement also encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments to fly the flag at half-staff as a mark of respect.

Marburger, who had been the principal since 1995, was described as a “hero” by Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks. Describing Marburger’s intervention with the teenage gunman, Wicks highlighted his dedication to ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Marburger’s daughter, Claire, took to Facebook on the night of the shooting to honor her father’s bravery, referring to him as a “gentle giant” and expressing that it was not surprising he 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.”

The tragic incident unfolded shortly after 7:30 a.m. on January 4th, just as classes were set to resume after winter break. The shooting began in the cafeteria before spilling outside but remained contained to the north end of the school. The suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Authorities also discovered an improvised explosive device among his belongings, which was safely disarmed.

In light of Marburger’s selflessness, a GoFundMe page was created to support his family. The page is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Dan Marburger and assisting the Marburger family as they navigate through this trying time.

The loss of Principal Dan Marburger has left a profound impact on the Perry community, and his bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered. As the community mourns, they will also find strength and unity in honoring his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.

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