(RepublicanJournal.org) – On January 4, a shooter opened fire at an Iowa school, injuring seven people, one critically, and killing one other. The principal of Perry High School, Dan Marburger, was shot as he tried his best to distract the gunman so the rest of the students could get to safety. Sadly, after 10 days in the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
The Marburger family revealed the principal had died early Sunday morning in an update to its GoFundMe page. The Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory confirmed his death in an email, responding to The New York Times, but did not share any other details.
Marburger had held on for 10 days after he was critically injured during the shooting. Reports say he was trying to calm 17-year-old Dylan Butler down and mitigate damage when the teen opened fire. Governor Kim Reynolds (R) released a statement saying the “entire state is devastated by the news,” and extended her condolences to his family. She noted that Marburger “courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students,” which ultimately cost him his life. She ordered flags lowered to half-staff in his honor until sunset on the day of his funeral.
Marburger, principal of Perry High School since 1995, wasn’t the only casualty of the shooting. An 11-year-old sixth grader, Ahmir Jolliff, died after being shot multiple times. The shooter also died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Jolliff’s funeral and service were held on January 10 and 11. It was also made available via live stream for people who weren’t able to attend in person.
The shooter and principal were known to the residents of the small city of Perry, and while people thought Butler odd, they didn’t think he was capable of violence.
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