Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler is in critical condition following the attack on him Wednesday in which he was doused with gasoline and set on fire.
The update on his status came late Friday afternoon from Phil Bridges, director of communications and news for UNC Heath, where Vogler is in the hospital鈥檚 Burn Intensive Care Unit.
Neighbors of the man charged in connection with the incident are stunned at what happened.
鈥淚t鈥檚 horrifying,鈥 said Diana McManus, who lives next door to an address listed in court documents as the residence of suspect Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 29.
Buck-Hayes is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding in the attack that occurred Wednesday at the Showcase Magazine office, where Vogler works as director of marketing.
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Buck-Hayes admitted to investigators that he doused Vogler with gasoline and meant to kill him. He is being held in jail without bond.
In a statement Friday, Vogler鈥檚 wife Blair Vogler said he was scheduled to have his first procedure that day at UNC Health鈥檚 Burn Clinic.
鈥淭oday, Lee will undergo the first of what will be many surgeries on his road to recovery,鈥 Blair said in the statement. 鈥淲e 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.鈥
鈥淲e would appreciate your continued prayers for Lee, our family and the medical team,鈥 she added.
Buck-Hayes鈥 estranged wife, who could not be reached for comment Friday, filed for divorce last month, citing a separation since September and an agreement to end the marriage. The divorce filing is awaiting court approval.
Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Andrew Brooks Media Group, which includes Showcase Magazine, has started a GoFundMe page for Vogler. He organized the page along with Vice Mayor James Buckner, Jessica Buckner, Emily Soffriti and Josh Soffriti.
Donations may be made at .
As of Friday afternoon, 68 donations had been contributed, totaling $6,020, with a $100,000 goal, according to the page.
鈥淔or more than 13 years, Lee has served Danville as a dedicated city councilman, ... working tirelessly to revitalize the city he loves,鈥 the page states. 鈥淗e is a father who coaches his children鈥檚 sports teams, a husband who adores his family and a friend who has always been there when others needed him. Now, Lee and his family need us.鈥
The statement adds that workers鈥 compensation may not cover Vogler鈥檚 injuries due to the nature of the attack.
鈥淟ee will be unable to work for the foreseeable future, and Blair will lose wages while caring for him,鈥 the page states. 鈥淭heir children are facing emotional trauma and uncertainty as their father fights to heal.鈥
