Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically assassinated in New York City on December 4, 2024. He was married to physical therapist Paulette Thompson, also known as Pauley, who has over 20 years of experience in the field and currently works for HealthPartners. Paulette obtained her master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1999, the same institution her late husband graduated from. The couple, who resided in Maple Grove, Minnesota, had two teenage sons.
On the day of the assassination, Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. The incident occurred around 6.45 am as Brian was walking from a nearby hotel to the Hilton, where UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to hold an investor day. The perpetrator, described as a white male wearing a hooded jacket with his face partially covered by a mask, escaped on an e-bike towards Central Park. Despite immediate efforts to resuscitate him, Brian was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Paulette revealed that her husband had received death threats prior to the incident, although Brian had not shown signs of concern about his safety.
As of December 5, the killer remains at large. The New York Police Department (NYPD) released images of the suspected shooter and the investigation is ongoing. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, although Paulette’s revelation about the death threats has raised questions about potential connections to insurance coverage issues. Engraved bullets with the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” have been found on live rounds and shell casings, suggesting the gunman may have been trying to leave a message. The tragic loss of Brian Thompson has sent shockwaves through the business and healthcare communities.
Paulette Thompson, in the aftermath of the shooting, described her husband as dedicated to his work despite receiving threats. Police officials have described the attack as premeditated and targeted. The suspect, who was captured on security cameras calmly escaping on an e-bike, remains at large. The investigation is ongoing with authorities working on clues from the bike rental to locate the suspect. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed condolences, calling the loss of Brian Thompson “horrifying news and a terrible loss”.
Brian Thompson’s wife Paulette, known as Pauley, is a physical therapist with a passion for well-being and making a difference in people’s lives. The couple, who had been married for two decades, shared experiences and dedication to their respective fields of healthcare and business. Paulette enjoys spending time with her two sons, engaging in activities, and traveling. Despite the tragic loss of her husband, Paulette remains dedicated to her work and her family. The exact date of their wedding has not been reported, but the couple had a strong bond that carried them through their years of marriage.
