Who Was Brian Thompson, the Healthcare CEO Killed in New York?
Brian Thompson, a prominent leader in the U.S. healthcare industry, tragically lost his life in Manhattan on December 4. Thompson, who served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot in the back by a masked assailant outside a hotel hosting his company’s investor meeting. His widow, Paulette Thompson, revealed that her husband had been receiving threats linked to medical coverage disputes.
“There were some threats,” Paulette told NBC. “It might have been related to coverage issues, but I don’t know the details. He mentioned people were threatening him.”
Arrest Made in High-Profile Case
Five days after the murder, police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League graduate, at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Investigators reported that Mangione had handwritten notes expressing hostility toward corporate America.
A Community in Mourning
Thompson’s private funeral took place on December 9 at a Lutheran church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, near his family home. In a heartfelt statement, his family said, “Brian was an extraordinary man—loving, generous, and talented. His life touched so many others.” They added that he was a devoted father to his two sons.
A Storied Career
Thompson joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004, rising through the ranks to become CEO in April 2021. Under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare became the largest private insurer in the U.S. Last year, he earned $10.2 million. Prior to his time at UnitedHealthcare, Thompson worked as a manager at PwC. He held a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa, graduating in 1997.
Legal Troubles Shadowed His Legacy
Thompson was embroiled in a class-action lawsuit filed in May 2024. The lawsuit accused him and other executives of insider trading, alleging they sold millions in UnitedHealth Group stock while concealing an impending antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Thompson personally sold $15 million in shares. The lawsuit, initiated by the City of Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund, remains active.
Company and Community React
UnitedHealth Group expressed deep sorrow, calling Thompson a respected leader and colleague. “Brian was a friend to everyone who worked with him,” the company said in a statement.
As investigations continue, Thompson’s untimely death leaves questions unanswered and a significant void in both his family and professional circles.
