The hero principal from Perry, Iowa passed away yesterday. He selflessly confronted an armed assailant and lost his life 10 days after his heroic act.
On the morning of January 4th, students and teachers alike were starting their first day back after their Christmas break at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa.
As the students and faculty were milling into the hallways trying to get back into the swing of things a 17-year-old with bad intentions was about to shock the small Iowa community to its core.
Around 7:27 a.m., 17-year-old Dylan Butler began shooting while students were being served breakfast. He was armed with a pump shotgun a handgun as well as an improvised explosive device.
This is when 56-year-old Principal Dan Marburger, who had worked at Perry High since 1995, made the ultimate sacrifice for the school he loved.
According to multiple witnesses, Dan immediately put himself in harm's way trying to distract Butler by reasoning with the 17-year-old in an attempt to calm him down so as many students as possible could flee. As a result of Dan engaging with the shooter.... he sustained multiple gunshot wounds. His heroic efforts saved many young lives.
Butler eventually would turn the weapon on himself, leaving a community shattered, 3 staff members and 4 students injured and sadly one 11-year-old from an adjacent school deceased. As the dust settled that day and the casualties were attended to, Dan was rushed to Unity Point Health medical center where he underwent a day-long surgery.
However sadly 10 days after the incident, Dan succumbed to his wounds adding another fatality to this senseless act of violence.
Dan had widely been praised as a hero in the days following the attack but those who knew him best weren't suprised in the least. Dan's daughter in a tribute to her father said, "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." She also asked for the community to show grace to the Butler family saying, "We are not our kids mistakes or actions."
She is showing the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family and all families affected by this terrible act. I can't help thinking that if the world had more Dan's, I would be writing a lot less about these types of tragedies. It's always good to care deeply for others.
Rest in peace, Dan.
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