Accident – death – Obituary News :

Iowa Principal Dies After Heroically Protecting Students in School Shooting

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Perry High School community is mourning the loss of Principal Dan Marburger, who tragically passed away on Sunday after sustaining critical injuries during a school shooting earlier this month. The news of his death was confirmed by the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, following an announcement made by Marburger’s family on a GoFundMe page.

The incident occurred on January 4th when a 17-year-old student opened fire in the school’s cafeteria during breakfast time. Tragically, an 11-year-old middle school student lost their life, and six others were injured in the attack. The shooter was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Marburger, hailed as a hero by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way to protect his students during the shooting. His wife, Elizabeth, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on the GoFundMe page, stating, “Dan lost his battle. He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.” The Perry community rallied around the family, offering their condolences and support on the Perry Facebook page.

A Father’s Sacrifice

Claire Marburger, the principal’s daughter, described her father as a “gentle giant” and shared her belief that it was unsurprising he would put himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety of his students. In a poignant Facebook post on the night of the shooting, 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.”

Dan Marburger had been serving as principal of Perry High School since 1995, earning the respect and admiration of students, staff, and the wider community. His dedication and commitment to his role were evident in the way he intervened with the gunman, allowing students to escape and ensuring their safety.

A Community in Mourning

The tragic shooting also claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a sixth-grade student who was shot three times. The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m., just before classes were scheduled to resume after the winter break. The shooting started in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast, before moving to the north end of the school.

Dylan Butler, the suspected shooter, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Authorities discovered a homemade explosive device among his belongings, prompting experts to safely disarm it. The investigation into the motive behind the attack is ongoing.

A Lasting Legacy

Principal Dan Marburger’s selfless act of bravery will forever be remembered by the Perry community. As they grieve their loss, they will also celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on countless students throughout his career. Marburger’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of his students serves as an inspiration to educators and communities everywhere.

His legacy will remain a reminder of the importance of caring for and protecting the next generation, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The Perry community will continue to honor Principal Marburger’s memory as they navigate the healing process and work towards creating a safer future for their students.

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