Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who was shot while protecting students in an Iowa school shooting, has succumbed to his injuries, announced the school district.

Who was Dan Marburger?

Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, critically injured in the Jan. 4 school shooting, has died from his wounds, according to a statement from the school district. Marburger was among the seven people, including three staff members and four students, targeted in the shooting, resulting in the death of 11-year-old sixth-grader Ahmir Jolliff.

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The suspected shooter, a 17-year-old student at the high school, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Marburger, hailed for his heroic efforts during the incident, had attempted to calm and distract the shooter, allowing students to flee to safety.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed deep sorrow over Marburger’s death, recognizing his courageous act of putting himself in harm’s way to protect students. Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Marburger, a gesture to be maintained until sunset on the day of his funeral.

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Marburger, who served as the principal of Perry High School since 1995, was not only a dedicated educator but also a family man. His family shared on GoFundMe that he was a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. The family emphasized Marburger’s ultimate sacrifice and acknowledged the profound impact his selflessness had on the entire Perry Community.

The tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in addressing security concerns and the devastating consequences of school violence. The Perry community mourns the loss of a beloved principal who, in the face of danger, displayed exceptional bravery in the effort to safeguard the lives of students and staff.