Oct. 21, 2025 UPDATE:
Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler returned to his post Tuesday night, marking his first public appearance since a July attack that left him severely burned.
Vogler received a standing ovation from those in attendance before the council resumed its regular business.
“It’s what I was working so hard to get back to: my family, friends, and my colleagues on council and just the people of Danville,” Vogler said.
During the meeting, Vogler shared details of his recovery journey. He revealed he was unconscious for approximately 13 days following the attack, and at one point, 90% of his body was infected.
“Once I woke up, it was just day by day, little by little,” Vogler said. “I was walking one lap around the floor, the next day it was two, then it was three. Then I was able to start eating some normal food.”
While Vogler walked unassisted at the meeting, he acknowledged his recovery continues, particularly in regaining full range of motion in his hands. He credited his family, the staff at UNC, and the Danville community for supporting his ongoing recovery.
“The people of Danville always go above and beyond to show their love and support,” Vogler said. “I think we’re the best city in the nation, and I felt that through this whole process.”
Vogler, who has served on the council for over a decade, plans to continue his recovery at home and looks forward to attending his son’s upcoming football game.
Oct. 21, 2025 UPDATE
Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler has announced on Facebook that he is home from the hospital and will attend tonight’s city council meeting.
Oct. 10, 2025 UPDATE
Danville Councilman Lee Vogler has been moved out of the ICU.
His wife shared an update on their GoFundMe page stating that the councilman is out of the ICU months ahead of schedule, is walking independently, and had a successful skin graft surgery.
[READ MORE: New details emerge from hearing on attack on Councilman Lee Vogler]
Vogler also made his first post on Facebook since the attack: “I appreciate all the prayers, love and support. I am getting better each day. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.”
Vogler has been at the burn unit since July, when he was set on fire by Shotsie Buck Hayes.
Hayes is currently awaiting trial for charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
“Hello, friends and supporters of Lee,
We wanted to share some exciting news about Lee’s recovery! Over the past couple of weeks, things have been progressing at an amazing pace. Lee has successfully undergone a skin graft surgery and is now focused on healing the remaining open areas.
One of the most encouraging developments is that Lee is now walking independently, and he’s been surpassing his daily walking goals, including taking on flights of stairs! His determination and hard work have truly paid off.
Inspired by his kids, Lee has also been crushing his diet and hitting his protein goals. It’s no surprise—his strength and resilience have been incredible throughout this journey.
In fact, due to the remarkable progress he’s made, Lee was moved out of the ICU this past Tuesday, months ahead of what was originally projected and if he keeps going at this pace will be HOME months ahead of what was originally projected as well. His doctors and care team are astonished at how well he’s doing.
At the heart of his recovery now is working on the strength and functionality of his hands. His grip strength has improved significantly on both sides, and each day he’s able to do more independently—something that brings him so much joy and motivation.
Lee truly believes that the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from all of you, from across the country and especially here at home, has been a driving force in his recovery. He’s incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.
We can’t thank you enough for your continued encouragement and support. Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming! Lee is moving forward every day, and we know that with your help, he’ll keep reaching new milestones."
Councilman Lee Vogler's GoFundMe.
Sept. 23, 2025 UPDATE
Councilman Vogler’s wife shared an update on the Councilman Vogler’s recovery journey Monday.
Dear friends and family,We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for the continued support, prayers, and kindness you have shown during this incredibly challenging time. We remain overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of care from all of you.We are pleased to share that Lee had what we are hoping will be his last skin graft surgery this morning. The procedure went well, and we are hopeful that this will mark a significant step toward his full recovery.As we have said before, the team at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Center has been nothing short of amazing—our hearts are full of gratitude for their expertise, compassion, and dedication in caring for Lee. They’ve been an essential part of his healing journey, and we’re thankful for every hand that’s been involved in his care.As we look ahead, we kindly ask that your continued prayers and support focus on Lee’s mental, emotional, and physical recovery, especially as he navigates the often-grueling path of occupational and physical therapy. This process is slow, challenging, and sometimes frustrating, but Lee is determined, and we have faith that he will keep pushing forward.We’re so thankful to have you all by our side, and we continue to draw strength from the love and encouragement you provide.With heartfelt thanks, Blair Vogler
Blair Vogler
August 19, 2025 UPDATE:
Councilman Vogler’s wife shared an update on the Councilman Vogler’s recovery journey Tuesday. The GoFundMe page has raised $143,000.
She said the following:
“I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has continued to pray, support, and uplift our family over these past few weeks. Your love and kindness have truly meant the world to us.Lee remains in critical condition, but we are seeing some signs of progress, and I wanted to share a bit of hope with you all today. Yesterday, with the help of his physical therapy team, Lee was able to stand. It was a big step—literally and emotionally—and a moment that filled us with strength and gratitude.Last week, he received a tracheostomy, which has allowed him to be off the ventilator for most of the day. That, in turn, has made it possible for him to start trying to communicate with us. Hearing even a few words or seeing him try to express himself again has been incredibly moving.Next week, Lee will be going back to the OR for another surgery. These procedures are tough, but necessary, and he’s meeting each one with courage. His spirit remains strong, and during PT, he showed determination and a little spark that reminded me just how much fight he has in him.We also want to express our deepest appreciation and reverence for the entire medical team at UNC Chapel Hill. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary. We are truly in awe of the care Lee is receiving and feel so thankful to have him in their hands.Please continue to keep Lee in your thoughts and prayers. We feel every bit of your support, and it is helping carry us through.”Your support has made a real difference in helping the Vogler family face this long and difficult road. Please continue to share this fundraiser, keep Lee in your prayers, and know that each gift—whether through donations, words of encouragement, or spreading the word—has an immeasurable impact.
Blair Vogler
Update:
Councilman Vogler’s wife released the following statement on the GofundMe page Monday:
“As many of you know, Lee sustained serious injuries in an incident on July 30. He remains in critical condition and has faced a number of complications. We are deeply grateful to the incredible medical team caring for him around the clock. While his path forward remains uncertain, Lee is strong and continues to fight. He is a devoted family man, and we know his strength and determination are rooted in the love he has for his family and community.Our family is overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support—from prayers and kind messages to the generous help with errands, childcare, and financial needs. Your continued thoughts and support mean more than we can express. Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.”We still have a long road ahead, and every donation, share, and prayer truly makes a difference. Please continue to stand with Lee by sharing this page with your friends, family, and networks. Together, we can help give Lee the strength, resources, and hope he needs to face the challenges ahead.Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Blair Vogler
The page has reached over $138,000 in donations. the GoFundMe can be found here.
Update
Councilman Lee Vogler released a statement on Vogler’s GoFundMe page:
“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.”
Blair Vogler
As of August 2nd the community had raised $45,000 to support Lee’s recovery, according to Andrew Brooks.
Original:
On July 30, 2025, Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes entered Showcase Magazine, where Vogler serves as director of marketing, and set him on fire. Vogler sustained second- and third-degree burns over more than half his body and is currently in stable but critical condition at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic, according to a GoFundMe campaign promoted by Showcase Magazine.
City Councilman Lee Vogler will undergo multiple surgeries as part of his recovery, according to a statement shared by his wife, Blair Vogler, on the Showcase Magazine Facebook page.
“Today, Lee will undergo the first of what will be many surgeries on his road to recovery,” Blair Vogler said. “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.”
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.”
Blair Vogler concluded by asking for continued prayers “for Lee, our family and the medical team” as they navigate the challenging road ahead.
The GoFundMe page describes Vogler as a tireless public servant who has served Danville for more than 13 years without missing a meeting. He is also a devoted father and husband, coaching his children’s sports teams and deeply involved in his family’s life.
“Lee is a fighter. He has always faced challenges with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit,” Blair said from the hospital, according the GoFundMe page. She asked for privacy as Vogler continues to heal and requested “continued prayers for our family and the medical team.”
The GoFundMe goes on to say that because of the nature of the attack, workers’ compensation may not cover his injuries. Vogler will be unable to work for the foreseeable future, and Blair will lose wages while caring for him. Their children are also facing emotional trauma and uncertainty.
The fundraiser aims to help cover medical expenses not covered by insurance, travel and lodging for treatment, lost household income, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
Those interested in donating, can do so here.
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