On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, met a tragic end in a targeted shooting incident that took place outside the New York Hilton. The 50-year-old corporate leader was fired upon multiple times by an assailant who approached him from behind as he was departing for an investor conference. Despite the immediate emergency medical treatment he received, Brian was declared dead at Mount Sinai West. The attacker fled the scene, initially on foot and then by using a rented bicycle. While the precise details remain undisclosed, authorities have verified that Brian had been the recipient of threats preceding the event.
Paulette, his wife, conveyed her deep sense of grief and remembered Brian as a dedicated father and a benevolent leader who had a significant impact on all those around him. Brian had been associated with UnitedHealth Group since 2004. He resided in Minnesota along with Paulette and their two sons. Over the years, he held various leadership positions before ascending to the role of CEO in 2021. He was lauded for his leadership within the healthcare industry and renowned for his dedication to broadening the availability of healthcare services. Authorities are still in the process of investigating the case, and UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing their condolences regarding his passing.