UnitedHealthcare employees are shocked after CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan.
Thompson, 50, was killed in what NYPD officials said was a targeted attack as he left the hotel before an investor conference. His killer remains on the run.
According to a press release from the nation’s largest health care company on Tuesday, Thompson was scheduled to speak about the company’s hugely profitable financial outlook for 2025, including announcing expected revenues of more than $450 billion.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said.
“We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our thoughts go out to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.’
Tributes poured in for the beloved boss, with devastated colleagues offering their condolences to his wife and two children.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of our CEO Brian Thompson. He was truly a remarkable person: so humble, kind, cheerful and full of life. “He had a way of making everyone feel appreciated, and his positivity was contagious,” one employee said.
“My heart goes out to his family and his children at this incredibly difficult time. This is a deeply sad moment for me and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday
Tributes poured in for the beloved boss, with devastated colleagues sending their condolences to his wife and two children
Shocking surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com captured the moment he was brutally murdered
“My deepest condolences to the family of our UHC CEO, Brian Thompson! He was such a humble person when we met and he will be truly missed,” another person said.
A third employee said: ‘So incredibly sad! He was a valued member of our UHC family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. Rest in peace, Brian Thompson.”
‘This is a sad day. I have been working at UnitedHealth Care for 18 years now. Wonder why this happened. RIP Brian Thompson,” a fourth employee said.
“RIP Mr. Brian Thompson, thank you for what you have done for our company and for the health insurance world. You will be missed,” said a fifth.
Another person said: ‘Today a bright light has gone out. BT always fought for its employees and members and made sure everyone understood the importance of compassion and appreciation.
“Over the past three years while he was in charge, we have seen many changes for the better within the company. Rest in peace BT, you will be missed.”
Shocking surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com captured the moment he was brutally murdered.
Thompson was seen leaving the hotel at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday when a masked assailant pulled out a silenced pistol and shot him in the back.
After Thompson, the head of America’s largest health insurer, staggered away from the attacker, the gunman followed him and continued shooting at the CEO as he hit the ground.
The killer fled the scene and escaped on a bicycle to Central Park, with the NYPD releasing chilling images of the killer to aid the search, along with a $10,000 reward.
Witnesses said the suspected gunman waited outside the hotel for some time before the shooting, and that he knew which door Thompson would come out of before opening fire.
The footage showed several people standing nearby when Thompson was hit, with one woman sprinting down the street after being just a few feet away from the tragedy.
Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, reportedly making $10 million a year, and for several years before that led the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.