Iowa high school principal who risked life to protect students from shooter dies; family grieves loss
An Iowa community recently shaken by a school shooting is mourning the loss of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who succumbed to his injuries 10 days after bravely intervening during the shooting. Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags at half-staff.
On Jan. 4, a 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School, resulting in the death of a sixth grader and injuries to seven others, including Marburger. The principal, known for his dedication and heroism, attempted to calm the shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, allowing students to escape.
Marburger, 56, who had served the school for nearly three decades, died Sunday, according to his family. Local news outlet We Are Iowa reported that the principal was celebrated for his commitment to student safety and well-being.
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The Perry Community School District released a statement expressing profound sorrow over Marburger’s passing. “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 district said in a statement.
His daughter, Claire Marburger, paid tribute to her father’s love and kindness in a heartfelt post on Facebook, highlighting his role as a devoted family man and educator.
“If you are lucky enough to know my Dad, you know there are not enough words to say about him,” she wrote. “Dad taught us, inspired us to be better people everyday. He passed many lessons and things on to us kids.”
She added: “Another thing Dad taught us was how to love. How to love each other, how to love our parents, how to love our spouses and significant others, how to love our kids and grandkids. And it comes down to one word, selflessly.”
Gov. Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff, acknowledging Marburger’s sacrifice.
“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,” Reynolds said in a statement. “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.”
The shooting, which occurred around 7:37 a.m. before school started, also claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff. The state medical examiner ruled Jolliff’s death a homicide. The incident unfolded during a breakfast program, with few students on campus.
Butler, armed with a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and an improvised explosive device, was stopped before causing further harm.
Marburger’s role extended beyond his administrative duties. He was a pillar of support in times of tragedy, helping students grieve after past incidents, including a fatal car accident and a former student’s death from cancer. His impact on the community was profound, with his daughter describing him as a “gentle giant” and an “amazing Dad and just amazing person.”
The investigation into the shooting and Butler’s motives continues. Allegations have surfaced regarding Butler’s struggles with his gender identity.
Shortly before the shooting rampage, Butler posted a photo to his TikTok of himself in a bathroom stall with a duffel bag on the floor. "Now we wait," he wrote.
Butler's alleged accounts also used "he/they" pronouns, and his TikTok account included a photo using trans flags and the hashtag "genderfluid," as well as a video of Butler pretending to shoot someone and a screenshot of graffiti that reads: "Love your trans kids."
A Reddit account believed to have belonged to Butler posted in a forum about transgenderism and claimed he was reticent to transition because he didn't "want to look ugly," according to Reduxx.
Law enforcement and media outlets are examining the shooter’s background and potential motives.
A GoFundMe campaign, which was launched last week for Marburger’s family, had raised $179,936, as of early Monday. An update added on Sunday reads, “Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, weeks, and years to come. All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger.”
