Jake E. Lee, known for being the former lead guitarist of rock legends Ozzy Osbourne, has recently emerged from dire circumstances following a shooting incident late last month. The 67-year-old musician was shot on October 17, 2024, during what many are calling a senseless act of gun violence. Located about 10 miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip, Lee was enjoying his nightly routine of walking his dog when the unprovoked attack occurred.
Lee has since taken to social media to share his reflections on the traumatic event, finding solace in narratively documenting his experience to perhaps bring some therapeutic relief. On Thanksgiving day, he posted about his survival, stating, "Hope everyone’s enjoying their Thanksgiving. I’ve been debating on publicly talking about getting shot and have decided it would probably be good for me. Somewhat therapeutic, and by documenting it I can more easily put it behind me." His approach was not only to help himself but also to engage those who care about his well-being.
Providing detailed accounts of the horrifying event, Lee noted, "We were about 50ft apart when I heard the shots. I quickly realized he wasn’t aiming at me. He was aiming at my dog! I threw my end of the leash at Coco and yelled to go home. He did. He's a good boy." This protective instinct for his pet is particularly touching, shedding light on Lee's character amid the chaos.
He described the feeling of the first bullet hitting him as "not particularly painful, just like a quick burning sensation." The bullet struck his left forearm, entering just below the elbow before exiting on the topside. Miraculously, it missed any bones and left only minor scars, which have since healed remarkably well. He remarked, "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." Further, it seems Lee has not lost any mobility, stating all fingers still move well.
To provide some additional clarity about his injuries, Lee recounted, "The police found 15 shell casings at the scene, which means [the shooter] emptied his clip on me. I could only dodge so many, so one bullet went through my forearm, one through my foot, and one in the back which broke a rib and damaged a lung.” These injuries escalate the gravity of the situation, marking it as not only personal but also part of the larger discussion surrounding gun violence.
Witness reports mentioned how another neighbor responded to the chaos by hiding his children before arming himself and dialing 911 when he heard the shots. Thankfully, Lee’s dog Coco was unharmed, serving as the focal point of Lee’s gratitude amid the distress. Following the shooting, reports confirm he was taken to the Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center’s intensive care unit where he would begin his recovery.
The shooting is said to have happened after Lee encountered individuals dressed darkly, their faces obscured by hoodies and masks—clearly not appearing as upstanding citizens. Initially, there was just verbal confrontation between Lee and the thieves, as he returned home from walking Coco. When he believed the conflict was resolved, he was tragically mistaken as the men produced firearms and began shooting.
Lee characterized himself as somewhat of a night owl, having developed the habit of night walks due to the oppressive heat of summer days in Las Vegas. This incident, which punctured the peacefulness he associated with these nightly strolls, has understandably shaken the musician to his core. Despite the physical toll, he expresses considerable relief over the fact his beloved dog came away unscathed.
Initially post-surgery, Lee shared updates on the state of his injuries, noticing reduced feeling on the back of his hand. "Initially I lost the feeling on the back of my hand, but it has been slowly coming back," he explained. This progress is promising as he looks forward to resuming his life, though not without scars—both visible and invisible.
Lee's resilience tells quite the story, as he intends to document his recovery over the coming weeks, sharing updates and perhaps educating his audience about the harsh realities of violence. He concluded his Thanksgiving update with appreciation for having survived—"I am most thankful my dog wasn’t hurt, and also the damage to my fretting arm was minimal."
Following his incident, Lee received considerable support from musicians and fans alike via social media. Ozzy Osbourne himself expressed shock, noting, "It's been 37 years since I've seen Jake E. Lee, but the shock of hearing what happened to him today is just another senseless act of gun violence." This acknowledgment from peers brings forth the communal response many hope to see following violent incidents.
This incident speaks volumes not just about Lee’s character but also highlights the dangers faced by many individuals within their own neighborhoods. The unfortunate occurrence reflects the broader issue of gun violence affecting lives, communities, and families.
Lee’s own narrative of being shot for defending his dog replaces fear with resilience, illustrating how music can be both therapeutic and cathartic. The world watches as Jake E. Lee prepares to share his challenges and recovery story—there's no question his fans and fellow musicians stand firmly behind him, eager to witness his incredible comeback.
He has indicated he will be sharing more details about the incident and its aftermath, so both fans and followers remain eager to hear about his experience moving forward.
