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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
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.”
