The tragic death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has left his family, colleagues, and the healthcare industry in deep shock. Brian, 50, was killed in a targeted attack on December 4 outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The gunman, who had apparently been waiting for several minutes, approached Brian from behind and fired multiple shots, striking him in the back and right calf. Despite efforts to save him, Brian was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, and it has been revealed that Brian had recently received threats, though the specifics of these threats remain unclear. Paulette, his wife, expressed her devastation following the senseless violence, sharing that while she knew of the threats, she wasn’t fully aware of their details. She described Brian as a loving, generous, and talented man, particularly emphasizing his role as a devoted father to their two sons.
Brian Thompson’s leadership at UnitedHealthcare was highly regarded. Joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004, he served in various roles, including CFO, and became CEO in 2021. His work focused on improving healthcare access globally, and he was known for his visionary leadership. UnitedHealth Group mourned his loss, praising him for his significant contributions and expressing their condolences to his family.
The investigation continues, with no arrests made as of now, and law enforcement is exploring the possible connection between the threats and the attack.
