Musician Jake E Lee has shared an update on his recovery after being shot multiple times in a ‘senseless act of gun violence’ while walking his dog in Las Vegas.
The 67-year-old – who is best known for his time as lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne in the 1980s – was out in Las Vegas in October when he was subject to a ‘random attack’.
Soon after the shooting a representative for Lee, who helped write the 1983 album Bark At The Moon, shared that he was ‘doing well’ in intensive care and ‘expected to fully recover’.
Following his Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, the star has given another update, telling fans that by documenting his progress, he can ‘more easily’ put the traumatic incident behind him.
Sharing a photo of him and his dog Coco on his official Facebook account, Jake wrote: ‘Hope everyone’s enjoying their Thanksgiving. I’ve been debating on publicly talking about getting shot and have decided that it would probably be good for me. Somewhat therapeutic, and by documenting it I can more easily put it behind me.’
He continued to say fans may find ‘part of it interesting’ and said he would share his story in parts as it felt ‘too daunting’ to share all at once.
Jake has previously shared that the shooting came after a ‘verbal confrontation’ with a group of men dressed in hoodies and masks standing at the end of his driveway.
Elaborating further, he said they exchanged words, and he thought that was it. However, he was wrong, and the men pulled out a gun.
In his social media post, he added: ‘The first shot to hit me was in my left forearm. Entered about an inch below the elbow on the underside. Exited topside. It felt like a burn. Not particularly painful, just like a quick burning sensation. I thought it must have been a graze.’
The guitarist said the bullet didn’t hit ‘any bones’ and ‘has healed remarkably quickly’.
‘The scars aren’t much bigger or darker than some of my age spots and I’d probably have to point them out for you to notice. All the fingers still move well. Initially lost the feeling on the back of my hand but it has been slowly coming back.’
He signed off the post by telling fans that as it is Thanksgiving, he is ‘most thankful my dog wasn’t hurt’ and that damage to his arm is ‘minimal’ but alluded to other injuries having long-term effects.
Jake told fans that he will share more about that in his next post.
Many quickly took to the comments to share their support for the star and commend his bravery for protecting his dog. Arthur Gonzales wrote: ‘You protecting your dog is so commendable! Any of us who love our little furry family members would do it. I’m glad that he’s ok too!’
Martin Corcoran added: ‘You are an awesome pet parent/human being for thinking of him first!’
‘Thank you for sharing & keeping us updated! So glad that you as well as Coco survived such a horrific experience!’ Jason Jones added.
Jake’s pal, Ozzy also shared a statement of support following the incident, telling TMZ just hours after the attack: ‘It’s been 37 years since I’ve seen Jake E. Lee, but that still doesn’t take away from the shock of hearing what happened to him today.
‘It’s just another senseless act of gun violence. I send my thoughts to him and his beautiful daughter, Jade. I just hope he’ll be ok.’
Tim Heyne, manager for Lee’s rock band Red Dragon Cartel, told The Associated Press: ‘By the grace of God, no major organs were hit, he’s fully responsive, and expected to make a full recovery.’
It remains unclear if the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has arrested anyone in relation to the shooting.
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