An Iowa principal wounded while trying to protect his students during a mass shooting earlier this month died Sunday, according to his family.
Elizabeth Marburger said that her husband, Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, died at about 8 a.m.
“He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever,” Mrs. Marburger wrote about her husband on a GoFundMe page set up after the shooting.
Mr. Marburger is the third fatality from the Jan. 4 shooting. Police said a sixth-grader was slain during the initial rampage before the shooter took his own life.
Authorities said Dylan Butler, the 17-year-old gunman, wounded six others inside the school.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement that “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.”
Mr. Marburger’s daughter, Claire, penned a Facebook post on the night of the shooting where she said her father tried to diffuse the situation with the gunman.
“As I heard of a gunman, I instantly had a feeling my Dad would be a victim as he would put himself in harm’s way for the benefit of the kids and his staff,” Claire Marburger wrote. “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. That’s just Dad.”
Mr. Marburger worked at schools in Perry, Iowa, for at least 25 years, according to the Perry Community School District.
On Sunday, Ms. Reynolds ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of Mr. Marburger.
The order will remain in effect until sunset on the day of the principal’s funeral and interment.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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