Brian Thompson, the Murdered UnitedHealth CEO, Grew Up in Iowa

The Associated Press is reporting Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance division, was tragically shot and killed outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024.

The Details Go Like This

Police say it was a targeted attack, with the shooter lying in wait for him. Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m., just before he was set to speak at the company's annual investor conference. He was rushed to the hospital but didn’t survive.

Authorities are still investigating the motive, but believe the attack was planned, not random. The suspect, wearing a mask and carrying a gray backpack, fled on foot before hopping on an electric bike and riding into Central Park. The police haven’t captured him yet.

The murder occurred just hours before New York’s annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, a big event with huge crowds. But, police assured the public that the event would go ahead with extra security. Thompson’s wife Paulette mentioned that her husband had received threats before his death, though she didn't know the details. She suggested they might have been related to his work in the insurance industry.

Thompson has been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the U.S., since April 2021. His death has shocked the industry, and police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Brain Thompson's Iowa Connection

Our media partner KCRG says that years before Brian Thompson became the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he was a well-loved graduate of South Hamilton High School in Jewell, Iowa. He graduated in 1993 before going on to attend the University of Iowa.

Thompson’s success was a source of pride for his small-town community. He was known for his drive, humility, and ability to excel in everything he did—both academically and outside the classroom. In high school, he was not only a top student, but also served as class president and was homecoming king his senior year. He was a talented trombone player, even selected for the all-state band, and he was also the school’s top golfer.

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However, what stood out most about Thompson was his ability to connect with others. He was a friend to everyone, and his classmates always believed he was destined for greatness. His rise to CEO of a major health insurance company didn’t surprise anyone who knew him.

Despite the heartbreak, many find comfort in knowing that Thompson remained a dedicated family man throughout his life, much like he had been growing up. His success was something that his school and community took great pride in, and he remained a shining example of what hard work and kindness can achieve.

Video of the Shooting

This is a video of the shooting and aftermath, it's not good.  If you're not a fan of this kind of thing, don't look.  Sometimes you think you want to see something, and in the end, you don't.  I don't tell you what to do but one of my favorite things is avoidance.  This might be the time to use it!