The distressed spouse of the Virginia metropolis councilman who was viciously set on hearth by a psychotic fiend referred to as her husband a “fighter” within the wake of Wednesday morning’s sadistic assault.
Danville Metropolis Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was hospitalized with extreme burns throughout his physique after a person he knew stormed into his office, doused him with a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, then chased the Republican lawmaker outdoors and set him ablaze.
“As anybody who is aware of him would anticipate, he’s dealing with this problem the identical manner he’s confronted each impediment in his life — with braveness, dedication, and an unbreakable spirit,” the four-term councilman’s spouse, Blair, mentioned in an announcement to Southside Information At this time on Thursday.
“Lee is a fighter.”
The savage assault — which police mentioned was private — left the father-of-two with burns overlaying as much as 60% of his physique, totally on his torso, Andrew Brooks, writer of Showcase Journal — the month-to-month outlet the place Vogler works as director of gross sales and was set on hearth — informed the New York Instances.
Danville’s youngest-ever elected councilman was anticipated to endure surgical procedure at a North Carolina hospital the place he was airlifted after being burned by alleged assailant Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes.
“Lee has devoted over a decade of his life to serving the folks of Danville,” Blair wrote, thanking first responders for his or her “swift motion, compassion, and professionalism” in a second of misery.
“I’ve seen firsthand the tireless work, the late nights, and the unwavering dedication he brings to each choice he makes. He doesn’t take his obligations calmly — he carries the load of town’s hopes and challenges with sincerity, humility and resolve.
“As his spouse, I’ve stood beside him by way of the highs and lows, and I can attest to the integrity with which he serves. Past the headlines and the general public moments, there’s a man who deeply loves his household, metropolis, and its folks.”
Vogler, who was elected to Danville’s metropolis council in Might 2012 at age 24, recognized his attacker on the disturbing scene, which the 29-year-old accused arsonist fled shortly after he allegedly ignited the pol.
Hayes was charged with tried first-degree homicide and aggravated malicious wounding.
He allegedly confessed to the ruthless assault, telling police “it was his intention to kill” Vogler, based on a prison criticism obtained by ABC.
Police mentioned the assault was not politically motivated, however was sparked by an undisclosed private matter.
The frightened spouse, who made no point out of Vogler’s situation or the severity of his accidents, expressed her gratitude to the group as her partner continues to heal.
“We’re extremely grateful for the outpouring of assist from the group,” she wrote.
“Presently, we kindly ask for privateness as he continues to heal.”
