Healthcare leaders from across the country expressed shock and sadness following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mr. Thompson was fatally shot Dec. 4, in what New York City police described a "brazen and targeted attack." The gunman was still at-large as of the afternoon of Dec. 5.
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said it was "deeply saddened and shocked" by Mr. Thompson's death.
"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," the company said in a public statement. "Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."
Executives across the healthcare industry expressed shock at Mr. Thompson's killing. According to New York City police, the UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot by a masked gunman as Mr. Thompson approached the New York Hilton Midtown, where UnitedHealth Group was set to hold its annual investor day conference. The conference was later canceled.
Kim Keck, CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, wrote on LinkedIn that the news of Mr. Thompson's death "has shocked and deeply saddened all of us."
"I knew him to be a visionary leader who developed innovative ideas to take on some of the nation's greatest challenges," Ms. Keck wrote. "His death is a great loss for our country and for the healthcare industry."
Michael Tuffin, president and CEO at AHIP, and the former senior vice president of external affairs at UnitedHealth Group, wrote he was "heartbroken and horrified" to learn of Mr. Thompson's death.
"He was a devoted father, a good friend to many and a refreshingly candid colleague and leader," Mr. Tuffin wrote on LinkedIn. "All of us at AHIP are thinking of Brian's family and his UnitedHealth Group colleagues at this difficult time."
Mr. Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He lived in Maple Grove, Minn., near UnitedHealthcare's Minnetonka, Minn., headquarters, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune. Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife and two sons.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Mr. Thompson's death is "a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota."
Dana Erickson, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, wrote that Mr. Thompson's loss "will be felt profoundly by many."
"Throughout the industry, Brian was known as a genuine and giving person who brought out the best in his teams with true authenticity and sincerity," Ms. Erickson wrote on LinkedIn.
Leaders from across the healthcare industry expressed condolences on LinkedIn.
"Like so many across the healthcare industry and business world, we were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic, unthinkable news today," Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth wrote on LinkedIn.
Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks wrote he was "deeply saddened" by Mr. Thompson's loss, who was an "industry leader and a good partner to Lilly."
Erik Wexler, president and COO of Renton, Wash.-based Providence, wrote that Mr. Thompson's death "is a profound shock to all of us who knew him."
"On behalf of Providence, I want to express our heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time," Mr. Wexler wrote. "Our thoughts are with Brian's family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this period of grief and sorrow."
Wright Lassiter III, CEO of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, wrote that "all of us in the healthcare community share in the grief over the sudden, shocking and tragic loss of an industry leader."
"At CommonSpirit we strongly believe Humankindness heals the mind, body and spirit," Mr. Lassiter wrote in a LinkedIn post on Dec. 5.
Mr. Thompson, known as 'BT' to colleagues, spent 20 years in UnitedHealthcare in various roles, including as leader of its Medicare Advantage division. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997, where he was class valedictorian.
UnitedHealthcare colleagues remembered Mr. Thompson as a dedicated leader. Matt Burns, former vice president of communications at UnitedHealth Group, wrote that Mr. Thompson was "whip-smart and affable," and a leader "who could grasp the complexities of health care and explain them in simple, relatable terms true to his Iowa upbringing."
"His star ascended rapidly and yet I don’t recall him forgetting those he worked with in the trenches along the way," Mr. Burns wrote on LinkedIn. "He toggled between his leadership role and relatable Joe as effectively and easily as anyone I've encountered professionally."
Antonio Toft, vice president of people, DEI, culture and experience at UnitedHealth Group, wrote that Mr. Thompson was a "remarkable leader" and a "cherished friend and mentor" to many.
Mr. Thompson was the Executive Sponsor of our Black Experience employee resource group and our Black Leader Advisory Council at UnitedHealth Group, Mr. Toft wrote on LinkedIn.
"His enthusiasm and passion were always evident, whether he was cheering for the Minnesota Twins or leading UnitedHealthcare with unwavering dedication and energy," Mr. Toft wrote. "Brian was a true champion for our people and the community, and his impact will continue to inspire us all."
This is a developing story and will be updated.