A principal from Iowa, who valiantly shielded students from harm during a school shooting earlier this month, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, critically injured in the January 4th incident that initiated in the school’s cafeteria, succumbed to his injuries.
The attack resulted in the tragic death of an 11-year-old middle school student, and six others sustained injuries.
The 17-year-old perpetrator, who opened fire, also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
The State Department of Public Safety acknowledged Marburger’s selfless actions, emphasizing that he willingly placed himself in harm’s way to protect the students.
The news of Marburger’s demise was initially shared on a GoFundMe page established for his family.
According to information provided by the Perry Community School District, Marburger served in educational roles within the Perry, Iowa school system for a minimum of 25 years.
In a post by Marburger’s wife, Elizabeth, it was reported that he passed away around 8am on Sunday, noting, “Dan lost his battle. He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.”
The announcement of Marburger’s death prompted an outpouring of support on the Perry Facebook page, with nearly 200 individuals expressing their condolences within the first hour of the post.
Principal Marburger: A ‘Gentle Giant’ Says Daughter
On the evening of the shooting, Principal Marburger’s daughter, Claire Marburger, characterized her father as a “gentle giant” in a Facebook post.
She expressed that it was not unexpected for her father to endeavor to safeguard his students.
Governor Reynolds issued a directive for all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, with the instruction to keep them at this position until sunset on the day of Principal Marburger’s funeral and interment.
The statement further encourages individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments to display the flag at half-staff for an equivalent duration as a gesture of respect.
Mitch Mortvedt, spokesperson for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, mentioned following the incident that Marburger took noteworthy actions to safeguard others, although specific details were not disclosed.
Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks asserted that Marburger, recognized as a “hero,” intervened with the teenage gunman to facilitate the evacuation of students.