Iowa Principal Dies Protecting Students in School Shooting

An Iowa high school principal who risked his life to protect students during a school shooting earlier in January died on Sunday, his family said.

Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger was critically injured in the shooting at the school on January 4.

The shooting began in the school's cafeteria as students gathered for breakfast before the first day of classes after winter break. A sixth-grade student, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, was killed in the shooting and six others were injured. Authorities said the 17-year-old student identified as the shooter, Dylan Butler, also died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

Marburger died at about 8 a.m. on Sunday, his wife, Elizabeth Marbuger, wrote on a GoFundMe page.

"Dan lost his battle. He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever," she wrote.

In another post on the page, Marburger's family wrote that he "gave the ultimate sacrifice."

They said that "all of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger."

The page has collected more than $170,000 in donations so far. The money will be used to help Marburger's family "as they process through and live out Dan's legacy," the update said.

After the shooting, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said that Marburger "acted selflessly and placed himself in harm's way in an apparent effort to protect his students."

Marburger's daughter, Claire Marburger, has said it was not surprising that her father tried to protect his students.

"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," his daughter wrote on Facebook after the shooting,

"It is absolutely zero surprise to hear he tried to approach and talk Dylan down and distract him long enough for some students to get out of the cafeteria. That's just Dad."

In a post on Sunday, Claire Marburger called her father "an incredible man, educator, husband, Dad, grandpa."

Many took to social media to pay tribute to Marburger after hearing the news of his death.

"Dan was a tremendous leader in our school district and a loving husband, father, and grandfather," the Perry Community School District said in a statement.

"Our school community is heartbroken by Dan's death. For nearly three decades, Dan was ingrained in every aspect of our Perry Community School District environment, and we are feeling the immense loss of a devoted and caring colleague."

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds was also among those who offered condolences.

"Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger's death," she said. "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."

Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Marburger's funeral and internment.