Lee Vogler, Councilman Who Was Set on Fire in Broad Daylight, Described by Wife as ‘a Fighter’ as He Continues His Recovery

Blair Vogler, wife of Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, has shared an update on her husband’s condition following a brutal attack that left him severely burned.

Lee Vogler, a four-term councilman and father of two, was set on fire in broad daylight outside his workplace, Showcase Magazine, on Tuesday, July 29. According to the Danville Police Department (DPD), 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes allegedly doused Lee with gasoline and ignited it before fleeing the scene. He was arrested shortly afterward.

Lee sustained second- and third-degree burns over “more than half” of his body and remains in “stable but critical condition” at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic, according to a GoFundMe created on behalf of his family. The campaign notes he faces “multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months—if not years—of rehabilitation.”

In a statement published by Showcase Magazine on Aug. 1, Blair shared that Lee was preparing to “undergo the first of what will be many surgeries on his road to recovery.”

“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.

She added, “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 separate statement included on the GoFundMe page, Blair expressed hope and resilience: “Lee is a fighter. He has always faced challenges with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.”

The fundraiser also highlights Lee’s long-standing commitment to the Danville community.

“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 post reads. “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 incident shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time, following reports of a man on fire outside the Showcase Magazine office on Main Street. Witnesses told authorities that a man entered the building with a large bucket, poured gasoline on Lee, and lit him on fire before fleeing.

Lee was initially treated at the scene and then airlifted to a burn center. Andrew Brooks, who runs Showcase Magazine, said Lee was “awake, speaking, and en route to the center in Lynchburg”—and was able to identify his attacker.

Police later confirmed that Hayes and Lee knew one another and emphasized that the incident was personal in nature.

“This was not a random act, nor was it politically motivated,” the DPD said in a statement.