Iowa principal risked life for college kids, dies after college taking pictures

The beloved principal who was injured after a gunman opened hearth at a highschool in Iowa has died after 10 days within the hospital.

Principal Dan Marburger was among the many three workers members and 4 college students who had been injured on Jan. 4 when a 17-year-old scholar opened hearth at Perry Excessive Faculty within the small neighborhood of Perry, Iowa.

Marburger tried to calm down the shooter and “distract him” so college students might flee, based on a Fb publish from his daughter, Claire. He acquired a number of gunshot wounds.

Marburger was steady following the taking pictures, however on Sunday, Gov. Kim Reynolds introduced his demise in a press release.

“Our complete state is devastated by the information of Dan Marburger’s demise. Kevin and I provide our deepest condolences to his spouse and household as we pray for his or her consolation throughout this very tough time,” Reynolds stated within the assertion. “Dan courageously put himself in hurt’s approach to defend his college students, and finally gave his personal life to save lots of them. He’ll without end be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. Might he relaxation in peace.”

Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday and stay there till sundown on the day of Marburger’s funeral, based on the governor’s workplace.

Claire stated her father was identified to be a “mild large” and an “wonderful Dad and simply wonderful individual.”

“He does something for us youngsters, together with driving 7 hrs spherical journey on college nights to catch my faculty video games in Decorah. Stayed lengthy sufficient to slide me a $20 inform me I performed nicely, give me a hug, and head out,” she stated in her publish.

Marburger labored at Perry faculties for greater than 20 years and performed an essential function in serving to college students grieve after tragic accidents and losses.

In 2003, he supported college students after a center college scholar died when he was struck by a automobile pushed by a 16-year-old sophomore. Two years later, he stood by the neighborhood after a 19-year-old former basketball participant died from most cancers, The Des Moines Register reported on the time.

The taking pictures at Perry Excessive Faculty occurred round 7:37 a.m. earlier than college had began on the primary day again after winter break.

Not many college students had been on campus, however a breakfast program was going down, stated Mitch Mortvedt, the assistant director of the Iowa Division of Felony Investigation.

Police stated the shooter was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. An “improvised explosive system” was additionally discovered.

Authorities haven’t launched a motive, and the investigation continues.