Iowa Principal Dies After Heroically Protecting Students During School Shooting

In a tragic turn of events, Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger has passed away on Sunday from injuries sustained during a school shooting earlier this month. The news was confirmed by the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, after Marburger's family announced it on a GoFundMe page.

The incident occurred on January 4th as students were gathering for breakfast in the school's cafeteria. An 11-year-old middle school student lost their life in the shooting, while six other individuals were injured. The 17-year-old gunman involved in the attack also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

Immediately following the incident, the Iowa Department of Public Safety praised Principal Marburger for his selfless actions, stating that he bravely put himself in harm's way in an attempt to protect his students.

Marburger's passing was first announced on a GoFundMe page set up for his family. In a heartfelt post by his wife, Elizabeth, she confirmed that he passed away at around 8 a.m. on Sunday. She expressed that although he fought hard, the family will forever cherish the ten days they had with him.

News of Principal Marburger's death sparked an outpouring of support on the Perry Facebook page, with nearly 200 individuals sharing their condolences within the first hour of the announcement.

Marburger's daughter, Claire, described her father as a "gentle giant" and said it was not surprising that he put his life on the line to protect his students. She wrote in a Facebook post that she instantly had a feeling he would be involved, as he always prioritized the well-being of the kids and staff.

Authorities have not released specific details of Marburger's courageous actions during the shooting, but both the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks referred to him as a hero who intervened with the gunman, allowing students to escape.

The shooting occurred just after 7:30 a.m. on January 4th, shortly before classes were set to resume after winter break. According to officials, the attack started in the cafeteria but was 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. In addition, authorities discovered a rudimentary improvised explosive device among Butler's belongings, which was safely disarmed by experts.

The loss of Principal Dan Marburger has left the community of Perry devastated. As they remember his bravery and dedication to the well-being of his students, they strive to come to terms with this tragic event that has forever impacted their lives.