Longtime Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who was one of seven victims shot by a school shooter earlier this month, succumbed to his injuries.
The news of Marburger’s death was shared just after 8 a.m. on Sunday by Elizabeth Marburger on his GoFundMe page.
“Dan Marburger gave the ultimate sacrifice,” his family said in a GoFundMe post Sunday. “All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger.”
Marburger was hospitalized after the shooting on Jan. 4, when he stepped in to protect his students. One student, 11-year-old sixth grader Ahmir Jolliff, was also killed in the shooting, authorities shared.
The principal suffered serious injuries while ensuring his staff and students were able to exit the school building, according to local officials.
Authorities shared that the suspected shooter, who is also believed to have been a student at the high school, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Marburger had been the principal at the school for nearly 30 years, starting in 1995.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Sunday. “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.”