IOWA, USA — 50-year-old Brian Thompson, the CEO of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed early Wednesday morning in what New York City authorities are calling a "targeted attack."
New York police said that shortly before 7 a.m., Thompson was fatally shot in front of the Hilton hotel in Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare Group was holding an annual investor conference. The conference has since been ended early due to Thompson's death.
"It appears as though this was a targeted murder," NYC Mayor Eric Adams said, referencing preliminary police investigation.
Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf according to officials after the shooter "appeared to wait for his intended target."
No motive has been established, and the gunman remains at-large after last being seen riding an e-bike into Central Park.
Thompson had served as UnitedHealthcare's CEO for nearly the last four years after working his way up through the company since 2004, according to his LinkedIn page.
UnitedHealthcare Group issued the following statement Wednesday after his death:
"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him."
Following Thompson's death, communities and individuals across Iowa have begun to mourn.
"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian," Thompson's wife Paulette said in a statement to ABC. "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."
“We are shocked and heartbroken with the news of the murder of Brian. He was a wonderful person and father,” Maria Reveiz, Thompson's sister-in-law said.
Before his position at the helm of the large health insurance company, Thompson graduated from South Hamilton High School in 1993 and then the University of Iowa in 1997, earning valedictorian status at both schools.
When you flip through South Hamilton High School's 1992-93 yearbook, Brian Thompson is the star of many of the pages. South Hamilton's principal Todd Coy taught Thompson years ago, but even though he's seen a lot of faces pass through the halls in his over 30 years at the school, he said Brian's is one he'll always remember.
"He's just one of those kids that stand out, and I've done this for 37 years, and he's one that's on that Mount Rushmore, just a great kid," Coy said.
During Thompson's time at South Hamilton High School he was a jack-of-all-trades: a musician, athlete, class president and valedictorian who strived to be the best at whatever he did.
"If he was going to be in band, he was going to be an all-state band player. If he was going to be a golfer, he was going to be one of the better golfers. So, I just think that work ethic and that drive probably set a good example for a lot of kids," Coy said.
Coy shared that Thompson's character was one of the most notable things about him.
"He was well respected by his students. You would not have known that he was a four-point student. He didn't throw it back in your face, he was willing to talk with anybody," Coy said.
Thompson's roots were planted in small town Iowa, but Coy always knew he'd grow to be someone special.
"I used to call him my model health student, so every time he saw me since then, that's how he responded, 'hey, it's your model health student.' I said, 'yeah, you were definitely,'" Coy told Local 5.
The South Hamilton Community School District released the following statement about Thompson:
"The South Hamilton Community School District is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Brian Thompson, a beloved member of our school community and 1993 valedictorian. Early Wednesday morning, Brian was the victim of a shooting in midtown Manhattan. He was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
During his time at South Hamilton, Brian was a star student, athlete, homecoming king, and a respected leader. His achievements and character left a meaningful legacy within our schools and community.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Our community grieves his loss and honors the lasting contributions he made to those who knew him.
We join all who are mourning in remembering Brian’s life and legacy."