Dan Marburger, a beloved principal who was shot while trying to protect students during a school shooting, has died after 10 days in the hospital.
The principal of Perry High School was one of three staff members and four students who were injured January 4 when a gunman opened fire at the high school in Perry, Iowa.
His family announced his death Sunday.
“At approximately 8:00 am, January 14, Dan lost his battle,” his wife Elizabeth wrote on a GoFundMe page. “He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever.”
The shooting began in the school’s cafeteria around 7:30 a.m. on January 4, the first day back after winter break.
According to reports, Marburger, 56, tried to “distract” the 17-year-old shooter and calm him down so other students could escape.
“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,” his daughter Clare wrote in a Facebook post. “That’s just dad.”
Marburger was among six who were injured during the shooting. An 11-year-old, Ahmir Joliff, was killed that day. The shooter also died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Although the Marburger, who had been principal of the high school since 1995, was stable following the shooting, he died a week and a half after the tragedy.
“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,” Iowa’s Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement.
The Perry Community School District also issued a statement sharing their “deepest condolences.”
“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.”
Rest in peace Dan, and thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.
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