Latest news with #BlairVogler
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
Lee Vogler, Councilman Who Was Set on Fire in Broad Daylight, Described by Wife as 'a Fighter' as He Continues His Recovery
The Virginia elected official and father of two is in 'stable but critical condition,' with burns covering 'more than half' of his bodyNEED TO KNOW Lee Vogler, a councilman in Virginia, was doused with gasoline and set on fire outside of his workplace on July 29 He is in 'stable but critical condition' at a burn clinic, with burns covering 'more than half' of his body Lee's wife, Blair Vogler, said in a statement he underwent the first surgery of 'many' to come on Aug. 1Blair Vogler, the wife of Lee Vogler, is sharing 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 his workplace at Showcase magazine on Tuesday, July 29, in a shocking broad-daylight attack. His alleged attacker, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, fled but was arrested shortly after, according to the Danville Police Department. Second-degree and third-degree burns now cover 'more than half' of Lee's body, and the 38-year-old is in 'stable but critical condition' at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic, according to a GoFundMe created for him and his family. 'He faces multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months—if not years—of rehabilitation,' the fundraiser states. On Aug. 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' in a statement published by Showcase magazine. 'We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional team at UNC Chapel Hill. Their expertise, professionalism, and compassionate care have given us both comfort and confidence during this difficult time,' Blair said in the statement. She continued, 'We have full trust in the burn surgeons and the entire unit team, and we're thankful for the support we've received from friends, family, and the community. We would appreciate your continued prayers for Lee, our family and the medical team.' In a statement included in the GoFundMe — which, as of Aug. 3, has raised over half of its $100,000 goal — Blair said, 'Lee is a fighter. He has always faced challenges with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.' The fundraiser also gives more insight into Lee's time as an elected official — and as a husband and dad. "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. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Lee was treated at the scene and airlifted to a burn center. Andrew Brooks, who runs Showcase magazine, said that the councilman was 'awake, speaking, and en route to the center in Lynchburg" — and able to identify his attacker. Police later identified the suspect as Hayes and arrested him after he fled. Officials confirmed that Hayes and Lee knew each other, and that the incident stemmed from a personal, not political, matter. 'This was not a random act, nor was it politically motivated,' said the DPD in a statement. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
31-07-2025
- New York Post
Wife of torched Va. Councilman Lee Vogler calls him a ‘fighter' after psychotic fiend set him on fire in targeted attack
The distressed wife of the Virginia city councilman who was viciously set on fire by a psychotic fiend called her husband a 'fighter' in the wake of Wednesday morning's sadistic attack. Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was hospitalized with severe burns across his body after a man he knew stormed into his workplace, doused him with a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, then chased the Republican lawmaker outside and set him ablaze. 'As anyone who knows him would expect, he is facing this challenge the same way he's faced every obstacle in his life — with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit,' the four-term councilman's wife, Blair, said in a statement to Southside News Today on Thursday. 'Lee is a fighter.' 4 Lee Vogler and his wife, Blair Vogler, share two children together. Facebook/Blair Vogler The savage attack — which police said was personal — left the father-of-two with burns covering up to 60% of his body, mostly on his torso, Andrew Brooks, publisher of Showcase Magazine — the monthly outlet where Vogler works as director of sales and was set on fire — told the New York Times. Danville's youngest-ever elected councilman was expected to undergo surgery at a North Carolina hospital where he was airlifted after being burned by alleged assailant Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes. 4 Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. Danville VA Police Department 'Lee has dedicated over a decade of his life to serving the people of Danville,' Blair wrote, thanking first responders for their 'swift action, compassion, and professionalism' in a moment of distress. 'I have seen firsthand the tireless work, the late nights, and the unwavering commitment he brings to every decision he makes. He doesn't take his responsibilities lightly — he carries the weight of the city's hopes and challenges with sincerity, humility and resolve. 'As his wife, I've stood beside him through the highs and lows, and I can attest to the integrity with which he serves. Beyond the headlines and the public moments, there is a man who deeply loves his family, city, and its people.' 4 Vogler's wife called him a 'fighter' as he remains hospitalized with severe burns. Danville Virginia Gov Vogler, who was elected to Danville's city council in May 2012 at age 24, identified his attacker at the disturbing scene, which the 29-year-old accused arsonist fled shortly after he allegedly ignited the pol. Hayes was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He allegedly confessed to the ruthless attack, telling police 'it was his intention to kill' Vogler, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ABC. Police said the attack was not politically motivated, but was sparked by an undisclosed personal matter. 4 Vogler was targeted at his workplace, Showcase Magazine, and set on fire. Facebook/Blair Vogler The worried wife, who made no mention of Vogler's condition or the severity of his injuries, expressed her gratitude to the community as her spouse continues to heal. 'We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support from the community,' she wrote. 'At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as he continues to heal.'
