Accident – death – Obituary News :

Iowa Principal Dies After Heroically Protecting Students in School Shooting

Tragic Loss of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Perry High School community is mourning the loss of their beloved principal, Dan Marburger, who tragically lost his life on Sunday while heroically protecting students during a school shooting. The news of Marburger’s passing was confirmed by the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

The shooting took place on January 4th in the school’s cafeteria, where students were gathering for breakfast before classes. An 11-year-old middle school student was killed, and six others were injured in the attack. The 17-year-old student responsible for the shooting also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The following day, the Iowa Department of Public Safety recognized Marburger’s selfless actions, stating that he had put himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.

A Heartbreaking Loss for the Community

Marburger’s passing was announced by his wife, Elizabeth, on a GoFundMe page dedicated to supporting the family. She shared the devastating news, expressing, “Dan lost his battle. He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.” The Perry Facebook page was flooded with condolences from nearly 200 people within the first hour after the news broke.

Claire Marburger, the principal’s daughter, took to Facebook on the night of the shooting, describing her father as a “gentle giant” and explaining 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.”

Marburger had served as the principal of Perry High School since 1995, dedicating himself to the well-being and education of his students throughout his tenure.

A Hero’s Sacrifice

Mitch Mortvedt, the spokesman for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, commended Marburger for his heroic actions during the shooting. While specific details were not disclosed, Mortvedt stated that Marburger went to great lengths to protect others. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks echoed this sentiment, referring to Marburger as a true hero who intervened with the teenage gunman to ensure the students could escape.

The tragic incident 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 set to resume after winter break. Authorities revealed that the shooting initially began in the cafeteria, but was contained to the north end of the school.

Dylan Butler, the suspect responsible for the shooting, was found to have a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Authorities also discovered a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which had to be disarmed by experts.

Ahmed reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press reporter Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

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