Husband of Springfield Mayor Buscher hospitalized following surgery, cancer diagnosis

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher's husband, Mike, has cancer it was announced at Tuesday's committee of the whole.

Buscher, who was absent from the meeting, issued a statement read by Fire Chief Ed Canny.

The mayor said her husband had surgery, but has had "a major complication from his surgery," the statement read.

"I wish I could be there, (but) I know my place is in the ICU with my husband," Buscher said.

Mike Buscher is a managing broker at Real Estate Group in Springfield.

The statement said the mayor is monitoring "all aspects of the city and the concerns of its citizens."

"We send our prayers to Mike for a speedy recovery, and I know the mayor is going through a lot," said Ward 9 Ald. Jim Donelan after the meeting. "I know the directors and other members of the council and I will do anything possible, including prayers, to help make things better as fast as possible and to help keep the city running and functioning as smoothly as possible."

The family emergency comes at a delicate time with the aftermath of the July 6 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.

Buscher attended and spoke at Tuesday's U.S. Department of Justice community relations service listening session at Union Baptist Church. She also attended Massey's funeral on July 19.

"Our community is in so much pain from the senseless act that took Sonya Massey's life," the statement read. "Please keep the Massey and Wilburn family in your prayers. As I stated in an earlier statement, they will be living with this pain and tragedy every day of their lives."

Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman was shot in her home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in an unincorporated part of Woodside Township after reporting a possible intruder.

Former Sangamon County Sheriff deputy Sean P. Grayson was charged with Massey's murder. Grayson also was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

As of Tuesday night, it was unknown if Buscher will be taking any kind of leave of absence.

C ontact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Husband of Springfield Mayor Buscher hospitalized following surgery, cancer diagnosis