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The family of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson is dealing with the unthinkable. Wife Paulette Thompson and their two kids were left behind when the health insurance executive was shot and killed in New York City on December 4. His widow talked about the threats he had been receiving before the shooting shortly after the tragedy, which NBC News reports NYPD is treating as a targeted attack.
Indeed, some threats had existed, essentially due to—I'm not sure—a lack of coverage. Details are unknown to me," she told NBC News. "All I know is that he claimed that some individuals had been threatening him."
Thompson's widow did, however, add that the shock of the deadly assault was still very much present.
She went on, "I really can't respond thoughtfully at this time." "I'm trying to comfort my kids after learning this."
A heartfelt remembrance was later released by Paulette.
In the statement that CNN was able to obtain, she said, "We are devastated to learn about the senseless death of our beloved Brian." "Brian was a very talented, kind, and loving man who lived life to the fullest and had a profound impact on many people's lives. Most importantly, our two sons will miss Brian a lot because he was an extremely loving father.
According to NBC News, Thompson, who became CEO of United Healthcare in 2021, was en route to deliver a speech at an investor conference hosted by UnitedHealth Group, the organization's parent company, when an unidentified shooter opened fire outside the New York Hilton hotel in Manhattan.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the shooter had been "lying in wait for several minutes" during a press conference that same day.
"The suspect was passed by a lot of people," she said. "However, he seemed to wait for his target."
The NYPD reports that Thompson, 50, was later declared dead at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Police say the suspect is still at large and are offering a $10,000 reward for information about his whereabouts.
Due to a “very serious medical situation,” UnitedHealth Group abruptly canceled its investor conference shortly after his death, the outlet reported. Later, the business honored the deceased executive.
The statement said, "Brian was a friend to everyone who worked with him and a highly respected colleague."" During this trying time, we kindly request your patience and understanding as we work closely with the New York Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family and everyone who knew him.
