Principal hurt in Perry High School shooting dies from injuries
PERRY, Iowa (WOWT) - A central Iowa high school principal critically hurt in a shooting that killed a middle schooler earlier this month has died from his injuries.
Dan Marburger passed away Sunday morning, according to a post on a GoFundMe page that had been set up to help with medical costs. He had been hospitalized for ten days after protecting staff and students during the Jan. 4 shooting.
“At approximately 8:00 am, January 14, Dan lost his battle,” the post said. “He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.”
Marburger had been Perry High’s principal since 1995.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety called his actions heroic, saying in a release Marburger “acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement following the news of Marburger’s passing.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family as we pray for their comfort during this very difficult time. Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.”
Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff beginning Sunday until sunset on the day of Marburger’s funeral.
Two additional school staffers and four students were hurt in the shooting; 11-year-old Ahmir Joliff died after being shot three times by 17-year-old Dylan Butler. Butler turned the gun on himself and died by suicide, according to the Iowa State Medical Examiner.
Lawmakers, officials react
“Perry High School Principal Dan Marbuger laid down his life for his students. We will remember him for his courage and sacrifice. We need to make changes so that no teacher or principal ever has to do that again.
My thoughts are with Dan Marburger’s family, colleagues, students, and the entire Perry community.”
We share our deepest condolences with the Marburger family today on the passing of Dan Marburger. Dan was a tremendous leader in our school district and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Our school community is heartbroken by Dan’s death. For nearly three decades, Dan was ingrained in every aspect of our Perry Community School District environment, and we are feeling the immense loss of a devoted and caring colleague.
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