PERRY, Iowa — Principal Dan Marburger, who bravely saved students during a deadly shooting at Perry High School, succumbed to his injuries, leaving the community in mourning. Marburger, along with several others, was injured when a 17-year-old student opened fire at the school near Des Moines on January 4. The shooting claimed the life of one sixth-grade student and shocked the town of Perry.
Marburger’s wife, Elizabeth, announced the tragic news, stating that her husband fought hard but ultimately lost his battle. In her emotional post on a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with medical expenses, she shared that Marburger’s selfless actions gave them 10 additional days together as a family. The late principal’s daughter, Claire Marburger, took to social media to share her father’s heroic actions, noting that he tried to approach and distract the shooter in order to give students a chance to escape.
Authorities and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds hailed Marburger as a hero, acknowledging his selfless act to protect his students. The entire state mourns the loss of a dedicated educator who had worked at schools in Perry for over 25 years. The Perry Community School District confirmed Marburger’s long-standing commitment to serving the community.
The tragic incident marks the second shooting on school property in the US within the first few days of 2024. The shooting also claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a student at Perry Middle School. Investigations revealed that the shooter, who ultimately took his own life, had inflicted serious injuries on several individuals before turning the gun on himself.
Flags were lowered to half-staff in Iowa to honor the brave actions of Principal Dan Marburger. The town of Perry is left grappling with the aftermath of the tragic event, as the community comes to terms with the loss of lives and the impact on the school and its students.