Lee Vogler, Councilman Who Was Set on Fire in Broad Daylight, Described by Wife as 'a Fighter' as He Continues His Recovery By Bailey Richards

Blair 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 (DPD).

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.

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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.