A city councilman in Virginia is currently dealing with a severe burn injury that has left more than half his body affected. Lee Vogler, 38, remains hospitalized in stable but critical condition at the UNC Burn Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A GoFundMe campaign was started to assist with his recovery, led by an associate of a Republican official.
Andrew Brooks, the publisher of a monthly magazine where Vogler is the marketing director, shared on the fundraising page that Vogler’s wife, Blair, and their children are by his side as he begins what is expected to be a long and uncertain healing process.
Brooks noted that Vogler will endure numerous surgeries, extended stays in the hospital, and possibly years of rehabilitation ahead of him.
As the youngest council member in Danville’s history, Vogler will be unable to work for the foreseeable future after an alarming attack at the magazine’s office on Wednesday morning.
Vogler suffered second and third-degree burns, affecting up to 60% of his body, after a suspect, Mikale Buck Hayes, doused him with gasoline and ignited it. Vogler reportedly identified Hayes at the scene before the assailant fled.
Hayes, 29, faces charges of first-degree attempted murder and malicious wounding in connection with the incident. He allegedly admitted to the attack, stating it matched his intentions, based on police reports.
Authorities have indicated that this violent incident was not politically motivated but stemmed from personal issues between the two men.
Blair Vogler expressed her husband’s strength, referring to him as a “fighter.” She conveyed that he approaches his recovery with resilience and an unwavering spirit.
In a message on GoFundMe, she mentioned that their family is deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received in the wake of this crisis. “Knowing that our community is standing with us means more than words can express,” she said, emphasizing the impact of the generosity during their challenging time.
