Blair Vogler, Lee Vogler’s wife, has provided an update on his condition after the Virginia elected official was set on fire in broad daylight.
Lee, a four-term Danville city councilman and father of two, was doused with gasoline and set on fire outside Showcase magazine’s offices on Tuesday, July 29, in a shocking daylight attack. His alleged attacker, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, fled but was apprehended shortly thereafter, according to the Danville Police Department.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for Lee and his family, the 38-year-old is in “stable but critical condition” at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic, with second- and third-degree burns covering “more than half” of his body. “He faces multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months—if not years—of rehabilitation,” according to the donation form.
In a statement published by Showcase magazine on August 1, Lee’s wife revealed that the elected official was about to “undergo the first of what will be many surgeries on his road to recovery”.
“We are extremely grateful to the exceptional team at UNC Chapel Hill. Blair said in the statement that their expertise, professionalism, and compassionate care have provided us with comfort and confidence during this difficult time.
She went on, “We have complete faith in the burn surgeons and the entire unit team, and we are grateful for the help we’ve received from friends, family, and the community.” We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for Lee, our family, and the medical team.
Blair said in a statement included in the GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than half of its $100,000 goal as of Aug. 3. “Lee is a fighter. He has always approached challenges with bravery, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.
The fundraiser also provides more information about Lee’s tenure as an elected official, as well as his roles as a husband and father.
“For more than 13 years, Lee has served Danville as a dedicated city councilman, never missing a meeting and working tirelessly to revitalize the city he loves,” the fundraiser says. “He is a father who coaches his children’s sports teams, a husband who adores his family, and a friend who has always been there when others needed him.”
Police responded to the July 29 attack after 11:30 a.m. local time following reports of a man on fire outside the offices of Showcase magazine on Main Street, according to the DPD. Witnesses said a man entered the building with a large bucket, poured gasoline on Lee and lit him on fire as he ran outside.
Lee was treated on the scene and airlifted to a burn center. According to Andrew Brooks, who runs Showcase magazine, the councilman was “awake, speaking, and en route to the center in Lynchburg” — and was able to identify his attacker.
Police later identified the suspect as Hayes and apprehended him after he fled. Officials confirmed that Hayes and Lee knew each other, and that the incident was personal, not political.
“This was not a random act, nor was it politically motivated,” the DPD stated.
