Iowa Principal Who Protected Students During School Shooting Dies: Perry High School Mourns the Loss of Dan Marburger

Accident – death – Obituary News : Principal Dan Marburger, who bravely shielded students during a devastating school shooting in Iowa earlier this month, has tragically passed away. The news of his death was confirmed by the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, following an announcement by his family on a GoFundMe page. Marburger sustained critical injuries during the January 4 attack, which took place in the school’s cafeteria during breakfast time. The shooter, a 17-year-old student, also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety praised Marburger for his selfless actions, stating that he courageously placed himself in harm’s way to protect his students. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of support on the Perry community’s Facebook page, with nearly 200 people expressing their condolences within the first hour.

Marburger’s daughter, Claire, took to Facebook on the night of the shooting to describe her father as a “gentle giant” and expressed her belief that he would sacrifice himself to ensure the safety of 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.”

Having served as the principal of Perry High School since 1995, Marburger was widely respected and admired by students, staff, and the community. Superintendent Clark Wicks hailed him as a hero, crediting his intervention with the teenage gunman for enabling students to escape the horrific incident.

Tragically, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a sixth-grade student, lost his life in the shooting. Authorities reported that he was shot three times. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on January 4, shortly before classes resumed following the winter break. The shooting initially began in the cafeteria before spilling outside, but it was contained to the north end of the school.

Law enforcement discovered that the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Additionally, they found a rudimentary improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which experts promptly disarmed.

The passing of Principal Dan Marburger has left the Perry community devastated. His brave actions during the school shooting will forever be remembered, and his dedication to the safety and well-being of his students serves as an inspiration to educators nationwide. As the community mourns his loss, they are united in their commitment to honor his memory and support his grieving family during this difficult time..