From Fox News: The Virginia city councilman who was set on fire in an alleged murder attempt last week faces a “long, painful and uncertain recovery,” his employer says.
Danville City Council member Lee Vogler, 39, works as director of marketing at Showcase Magazine. The magazine’s owner, Andrew Brooks, says Vogler is now receiving care at the UNC Burn Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“His wife, Blair, and their children are by his side as he begins what will be a long, painful, and uncertain recovery,” Brooks wrote. “He faces multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months – if not years – of rehabilitation.”
The Dansville Police Department says Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, allegedly forced his way into the Showcase Magazine’s office building, poured a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on Vogler, and set him on fire.
The report explains that Vogler was left with severe burns over about 60% of his body, mostly on his torso.
Hayes, who had fled the scene after setting Vogler on fire, reportedly admitted to police that he intended for Vogler to die in the inferno.
Vogler was able to tell police that Hayes was the person who set him on fire, which allowed police to quickly take him into custody.
A GoFundMe page set up for Vogler has raised over $81,000. In a statement on the page, Vogler’s wife, Blair, released the following statement:
“Our family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received in just 24 hours. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, messages, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time. 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.”
Danville, Virginia councilman faces possible ‘years’ of rehab after gasoline attack, boss says https://t.co/pVCakv3NAj
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 4, 2025
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