Heroic Iowa School Principal Who Protected Students During Shooting Dies

Dan Marburger was wounded in the Jan. 4 shooting at Perry High School in Iowa

Dan Marburger, the principal who was shot while protecting students during the Jan. 4 shooting at Perry High School in Iowa, has died.

The Perry Community School District confirmed the death of Marburger on its website and, on Sunday, a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to help the Marburger family also confirmed his death.

"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," the school district's statement read. "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."

"All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger," the GoFundMe page statement read, adding that the money raised will continue to support Marburger's family.

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As previously reported, Marburger was shot and wounded on Jan. 4 when a 17-year-old entered Perry High School before school hours with a shotgun and a handgun and killed a sixth-grade student later identified as 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff. Marburger and four additional students were wounded at the time.

The suspected assailant was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot when authorities arrived on the scene, according to Iowa police.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement on Marburger's death on Sunday.

"Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family as we pray for their comfort during this very difficult time," she said. "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."

Flags in Iowa are at half-staff throughout the state and will remain so until sunset on the day of Marburger's funeral.

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