On Wednesday, December 4, a tragic incident occurred, An unnamed assailant approached the 50-year-old CEO as he was making his way to an investment meeting and opened fire, wounding him in both the calf and back.
Deputy Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has stated that the incident is being examined as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.” The gunman appeared to wait for Thompson, who was wearing a blue suit, to finish speaking before opening fire, according to surveillance footage. Even after Thompson hit the ground, the assailant kept firing.
Near the site, law enforcement discovered a mobile phone, spent shot casings, and live ammunition. It is believed by investigators that the gunman utilised a firearm equipped with a silencer. The individual in question was last spotted riding a rented bike into Central Park while clad in a grey rucksack, black trousers and a hoodie.
While the exact reason for the attack remains a mystery, detectives have reason to believe that Thompson was deliberately targeted. Paulette, his wife, remembered that Thompson had gotten threats before the tragedy. “He mentioned that some people had been threatening him,” according to her.
The Thompson family has requested privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of a loved one. UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing their deepest condolences on the loss of Thompson, whom they remembered as a dear friend and esteemed colleague.
The healthcare industry was profoundly affected by Thompson’s leadership and professional accomplishments. With an appointment as CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, he took over almost 140,000 workers globally after joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Thompson oversaw UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare and Retirement and Community and State divisions prior to becoming CEO. In addition to his other executive roles, he was the chief financial officer (CFO) for multiple business units.
Thompson was valedictorian of his class at the University of Iowa in 1997, a testament to his stellar academic performance. Among his many accolades was the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key, which is presented to the student with the greatest grade point average.
Many in the business world are still grieving the passing of a very visible and accomplished individual. To find out what happened that led to Thompson’s death, authorities are looking into it thoroughly. Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 prize for information that leads to an arrest.
