PERRY, Iowa – The principal of Perry High School, Dan Marburger, has tragically passed away due to injuries sustained during a mass shooting at the school earlier this month. Marburger, who had been at the school since 1995, succumbed to injuries ten days after the January 4th attack that also claimed the life of an 11-year-old student and left six others wounded. The shooter, a 17-year-old student, died by suicide after opening fire in the school cafeteria.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Marburger had heroically shielded students and staff from the gunfire during the chaotic attack. The community and state have mourned the loss of Marburger, with Governor Kim Reynolds ordering all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff until the day of Marburger’s funeral.
Marburger’s family described him as a loving father, grandfather, and husband who had dedicated nearly three decades to the students of Perry High School. A GoFundMe page has raised over $88,000 for Marburger’s family, showing the widespread support for the beloved principal and his family during this difficult time.
In addition to Marburger, the shooting claimed the life of sixth grader Ahmir Jolliff, who was remembered as a joyful boy with a passion for soccer and singing. The tragedy has left the community reeling, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation by authorities.
The shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, was described as a quiet person who had allegedly been bullied for years. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities have revealed that Butler possessed a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and an improvised explosive device, which was rendered safe by authorities.
As the community of Perry, Iowa, grapples with this devastating loss, the impact of this tragic incident resonates far beyond the school grounds. The memory of those lost will forever be remembered, and the community will undoubtedly continue to mourn and seek healing in the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.