“Iowa Principal Who Protected Students in School Shooting Dies, Funeral Home Confirms”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Iowa Principal Dies After Heroically Protecting Students in School Shooting

DES MOINES, Iowa — A tragic incident unfolded at Perry High School earlier this month when a school shooting occurred, leaving one student dead and several others injured. However, amidst the chaos and danger, Principal Dan Marburger emerged as a hero, putting himself in harm’s way to protect his students. Sadly, the brave principal passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

The shooting took place on January 4th, during breakfast time in the school’s cafeteria. As students were gathering for their first meal of the day, a 17-year-old student opened fire, causing panic and devastation. In the midst of the chaos, Principal Marburger selflessly acted and placed himself in harm’s way, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the safety of his students.

Tragically, an 11-year-old middle school student, Ahmir Jolliff, lost his life in the shooting. Six others were injured, and the 17-year-old shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident shocked the community and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The day after the shooting, the state Department of Public Safety recognized Principal Marburger’s heroic actions, stating that he acted selflessly to protect his students. News of Marburger’s passing was first announced on a GoFundMe page created by his family. His wife, Elizabeth, shared the heartbreaking news, expressing gratitude for the precious 10 days they had with him before his passing.

Upon hearing of Marburger’s death, the Perry community rallied together, flooding the Perry Facebook page with an outpouring of support and condolences. Within the first hour of the announcement, nearly 200 people had posted messages of sympathy and shared their memories of the beloved principal.

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 wasn’t 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.”

Principal Marburger had been serving as the school’s principal since 1995, making a significant impact on countless students’ lives throughout his tenure. His dedication and commitment to his students were evident in his final act of bravery.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation spokesman, Mitch Mortvedt, commended Marburger for his heroic actions, stating that he did “some pretty significant things” to protect others during the shooting. However, specific details were not released. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks referred to Marburger as a “hero” for intervening with the teenage gunman, allowing students to escape.

In addition to the tragic loss of Ahmir Jolliff’s life, authorities discovered that the shooter, Dylan Butler, possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Furthermore, they found a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device among his belongings. Experts safely disarmed the device.

The Perry community and the wider Iowa community are mourning the loss of Principal Dan Marburger. His selfless act exemplifies the dedication and courage that educators possess, as they go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. May his memory live on as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have in the face of unimaginable tragedy..