The Virginia city councilman who was set ablaze by a maniac in a ruthless personal attack faces a “long, painful and uncertain recovery” as he remains hospitalized with gruesome burns covering more than half his body.
Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, is currently in stable but critical condition at UNC Burn Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, according to a GoFundMe launched by the Republican lawmaker’s boss.
“His wife, Blair, and their children are by his side as he begins what will be a long, painful, and uncertain recovery,” Andrew Brooks, publisher of Showcase Magazine, the monthly outlet where Vogler works as director of marketing, wrote on the online fundraising page.
“He faces multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months – if not years – of rehabilitation.”
Brooks said Danville’s youngest-ever councilman will be out of work for the foreseeable future following the horrific Wednesday morning attack at the magazine’s offices, which has left Vogler’s two children deeply traumatized.
The four-term councilman suffered second- and third-degree burns covering up to 60% of his body, mostly on his torso, after alleged assailant Shotsie Michale Buck Hayes barged into Vogler’s workplace, drenched him with a five-gallon jug of fuel, chased him outside and then torched him.
Vogler, who was elected to Danville’s city council in May 2012 at age 24, identified his attacker at the scene — which the 29-year-old accused arsonist fled shortly after lighting the pol on fire.
Hayes, who was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, allegedly confessed to the sadistic 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.
Vogler’s distressed wife, Blair, said her “fighter” husband is facing his recovery with “courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.”
“Our family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received in just 24 hours,” she said in a statement on the GoFundMe, which raised more than $50,000 to support Vogler’s medical bills a day after it was created.
“We are deeply grateful for your prayers, messages, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time,” she wrote. “Knowing our community is standing with us means more than words can express, and it has given us strength when we need it most. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
