The principal of Perry High School in Iowa who was shot while trying to distract a 17-year-old school shooter has died.
Dan Marburger, 56, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 14, at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
News of Marburger’s passing was shared to the family’s GoFundMe page on Jan. 14.
“Although the news has not fully set in yet, Dan Marburger gave the ultimate sacrifice,” the family wrote. “After 10 days, he lost his battle and this tragedy took his life. Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, week[s], and years to come.”
They added: “All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger.”
In a Jan. 4 Facebook post, Marburger’s daughter, Claire, revealed her father tried to distract the shooter, Dylan Butler, so his students had more time to escape.
“As I heard of a gunman, I instantly had a feeling my Dad would be a victim as he would put himself in harms [sic] way for the benefit of the kids and his staff,” Claire wrote. “It is absolutely zero surprise to hear he tried to approach and talk Dylan down and distract him long enough for some students to get out of the cafeteria. That’s just Dad.”
At the time, Claire, who described her father as “a gentle giant” and an “amazing person,” said he was stable after being “in surgery all day.”
Marburger is the second person to die after the Jan. 4 school shooting, which took the life of a sixth-grade student and injured five others. Butler died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released a statement honoring Marburger.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death,” she wrote. “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 ordered all flags in the state to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Marburger’s funeral.
“The grandkids don’t yet understand what they lost today,” Claire wrote in a Jan. 14 Facebook post. “But there will forever be ‘grandpas babies,’ bear traps, gummy bears in the freezer, and plenty of naps in grandpas chair. All things we will carry on.”
She added: “My Dad was an incredible man, educator, husband, Dad, grandpa. A person I aspire to be and hope to make proud every day. He will be greatly missed.”
According to USA Today, Marburger worked in the Perry district for nearly 30 years. When he started work there in 1995, he told the Perry Chief, “I always knew I’d be a teacher.”
Forthcoming information about services will be available on the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory website.
