Brian Thompson’s loved ones were left reeling after a targeted and

brutal attack claimed the CEO’s life. His wife has since spoken out

about her husband’s tragic death, sharing the grief that has gripped

their family and revealed details that may shed light on why this tragedy occurred.

The death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the healthcare

industry, his family, and his community in shock. The 50-year-old executive

was tragically killed in what authorities have described as a planned attack.

The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan

on December 4, as Brian was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference.

The gunman, who, according to reports, appeared to have been lying in wait for several minutes,

approached Brian from behind and opened fire. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch,

he was struck multiple times, including in the back and the right calf, before collapsing to the ground.

Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West.

The assailant fled the scene, first on foot and later on a rental bike,

and was last seen heading into Central Park.

At the time of writing, no arrests had been made, though Crime Stoppers

had offered a $10,000 reward for information. Security footage of the incident revealed the chilling precision of the attack.

Brian, dressed in a blue suit, was seen walking down the street when the

gunman approached him from behind and began firing. Tisch noted that the

suspect appeared to deliberately wait for Brian, ignoring other passersby.

The motive for the killing remains unclear, but police have confirmed that

he had recently received threats. Brian, who resided in Maple Grove,

Minnesota, leaves behind his wife, Paulette, and their two sons.

A seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, Brian’s wife,

who celebrated her 50th birthday in December 2023, has been described as a devoted mother and professional.

Originally from Webster City, Iowa, she earned her master’s degree in physical

therapy from the University of Iowa, the same institution her late husband attended.

Known for her warmth and family-centered approach, Paulette often shared glimpses

of her family life on social media, showcasing treasured vacations and heartfelt

moments with her children. Paulette revealed that her husband had mentioned

these threats before the attack, though she was uncertain of the details.

Speaking to NBC News, she said, “There had been some threats. Basically,

I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that

he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

Law enforcement officials are now investigating the source and nature of

these threats, but no further information has been disclosed.

In a public statement following her husband’s death, Paulette expressed

the deep loss her family has suffered, “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.”

“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived

life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was

an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed,” she continued.

Brian’s death reverberated far beyond his immediate family. As CEO of UnitedHealthcare,

he was a pivotal figure in the healthcare industry. He joined UnitedHealth

Group in 2004 and held multiple leadership roles over the years, including chief financial officer for several business segments.

In 2021, he was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, where he was instrumental in

expanding the company’s global, employer, and government healthcare programs.

Known for his vision and commitment to improving healthcare access,

Brian was praised by colleagues for his transformative leadership.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty once described him as “especially

well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for

consumers, physicians, employers, governments, and our other partners.”

UnitedHealth Group released a statement following his death, saying,

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and

colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly

respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.”

“We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your

patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out

to Brian’s family and all who were close to him,” they added.