The principal of Perry High School in Iowa, Dan Marburger, who bravely placed himself in harm’s way to protect students during a school shooting earlier this month, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.
Marburger sustained critical injuries in the January 4th attack that originated in the school’s cafeteria, resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old middle school student and injuries to six others. The 17-year-old student responsible for the shooting also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety acknowledged Marburger’s selfless actions the day after the incident, stating that he had “acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.”
The news of Marburger’s death was initially shared on a GoFundMe page created by his family. In a post by Marburger’s wife, Elizabeth, it was mentioned that he passed away at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday. The post expressed gratitude for the 10 days they had with him, emphasizing his courageous fight.
The announcement of Marburger’s death prompted an outpouring of support on the Perry Facebook page, with nearly 200 people offering condolences within the first hour. Iowa Republican Governor Kim Reynolds extended her condolences, recognizing Marburger’s courageous act of sacrificing himself to save students.
Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday and to remain so until sunset on the day of Marburger’s funeral and interment. The statement encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments to display flags at half-staff as a gesture of respect for the same duration.