On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson tragically died in a targeted shooting outside the New York Hilton. The 50-year-old executive was shot several times by a shooter who came up behind him as he was leaving for an investor conference. Brian was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West even though he received emergency medical attention. The attacker took off, first on foot and then on a rented bicycle. Although the specifics are still unknown, authorities have confirmed that Brian had received threats prior to the incident.

Paulette, his wife, expressed her own profound sadness and recalled Brian as a devoted father and a kind leader who had a profound influence on everyone in his vicinity. Since 2004, Brian had been employed with UnitedHealth Group. He lived in Minnesota with Paulette and their two sons. He served in a number of leadership roles over the years before taking over as CEO in 2021. He was commended for his leadership in the healthcare sector and well-known for his commitment to expanding access to healthcare. Authorities are still looking into the matter, and UnitedHealth Group issued a statement expressing their sorrow over his passing.