The shocking killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has captured global attention, with millions following the intense search for the shooter.
Now, as the world continues to grapple with this tragedy, Brian’s wife, Paulette, and their two children are left to navigate a future without him. In a heartfelt statement, Paulette has broken her silence, sharing her emotions and memories of her late husband.
What happened to Brian Thompson?
The tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sent shockwaves around the world, leaving his family and millions of followers in mourning as the search for answers unfolds.
On the morning of December 4, 2024, things took a devastating turn when Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel on 6th Avenue. Rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital, the successful businessman could not be saved, leaving a nation grappling with the senseless loss.”
The successful businessman and beloved family man was rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital but tragically could not be saved.
The suspect, Luigi Mangione, allegedly used a 3D-printed pistol to carry out the attack. According to the New York Police Department, Mangione waited in the shadows before shooting Brian from behind.
After an intensive five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested. His family later issued a statement expressing their shock and offering prayers to Brian’s loved ones.
“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”
Brian, affectionately called ”B.T.” by friends and colleagues, grew up in Ames, Iowa, but built a beautiful life with his family in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and their two children.
Brian Thompson’s wife – this is Paulette
Originally from Webster City, Iowa, Paulette Thompson earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa, where she and Brian first met.
She’s a skilled physical therapist and has dedicated over 20 years to helping patients regain control of their health. Today, she practices with Park Nicollet Health Services, where her dedication to her patients mirrors the devotion she shows to her family.
In her work bio, Paulette shares her belief in guiding people to not only recover but to surpass their physical limits. Paulette’s social media paints a vivid picture of a life brimming with love and treasured family moments.
On Instagram, she wrote, “I love spending time with my two boys and taking them to all of their activities. I also love boating, spending time with family and friends, playing piano, biking, and traveling.”
All about Brian and Paulette’s children
Paulette and Brian raised two teenage sons, ages 19 and 16, who are deeply connected to Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota.
he eldest, who recently graduated, was an accomplished lacrosse player, earning varsity letters for three consecutive years. His coach, Brandon Carlson, fondly recalled Brian’s active role in his son’s lacrosse journey, noting that he and Paulette were always present at team events and supported the team in every way.
Assistant coach Brandon Carlson fondly recalled Brian Thompson’s involvement in his eldest son’s lacrosse journey, saying, “His parents were present around all of the team events.”
The assistant coach shared that Brian and Paulette were incredibly supportive of him. “He’s an amazing young man and a teammate everyone would want to have.”
Their younger son, now a sophomore at Wayzata, follows in his brother’s footsteps, excelling in track and field.
Lived in separate homes
According to the Wall Street Journal, Brian Thompson, 50, and his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, had been living in separate homes just a short distance from each other in Maple Grove, Minnesota, for several years.
In 2018, Brian purchased his separate home valued at $1 million near his family, according to public real estate records.
What Paulette said about Brian
In the wake of her husband’s tragic death, Paulette Thompson shared her heartbreak and disbelief in a text message with FOX9.
She described the moment she learned about the fatal shooting as “shattering” and reflected on the loss of her beloved husband.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” Paulette said in her statement.
She continued, “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
Had been receiving threats
Paulette Thompson also revealed to NBC News that her husband had been receiving threats prior to the attack. She shared that the NYPD confirmed the shooting was a planned act.
“Yes, there had been some threats — basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details,” she said. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
Despite the warnings, Paulette noted that Brian, who led the largest private health insurer in the U.S, had not changed his travel routines.
“He didn’t alter anything,” she explained.
In the midst of her grief, Paulette spoke about the difficulty of processing the tragedy. “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now,” she admitted. “I just found this out, and I’m trying to console my children.”
As the world processes this unimaginable tragedy, Brian Thompson’s memory lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. RIP!
