FAMILY LOSS
Who is Brian Thompson’s estranged wife Paulette and when did she marry UnitedHealthcare CEO?
Paulette was aware of threats to her husband's life prior to his tragic murder
BRIAN Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically assassinated in New York City on December 4, 2024.
Here's what we know about his wife Paulette and the circumstances surrounding her husband's death.
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Who is Brian Thompson's estranged wife Paulette?
Paulette Thompson, also known as Pauley, is a physical therapist.
She has more than 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 Brian Thompson graduated from.
The Thompsons resided in Maple Grove, Minnesota, with their two teenage sons, aged 19 and 16.
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While the exact date of their wedding has not been reported, IBT wrote that their "shared experiences and dedication to their respective fields of healthcare and business forged a strong bond that carried them through two decades of marriage".
However, multiple outlets have reported that Brian and Paulette were separated at the time of the shooting.
Since their estrangement, the couple lived in different houses located less than a mile apart in the same Maple Grove suburb.
On her work bio, Paulette wrote: "I love spending time with my two boys and taking them to all of their activities.
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"I also love boating, spending time with family and friends, playing piano, biking, and traveling."
She added: "I am dedicated and passionate when it comes to well-being and want to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ‘shot and killed’ outside New York City Hilton hotel in ‘targeted attack’
What happened to Brian Thompson?
On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan.
The incident occurred around 6.45am as Brian was walking from a nearby hotel to the Hilton, where UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to hold an investor day.
After the cold-hearted assassination, the perpetrator got on a nearby e-bike and set of at high speed toward Central Park.
Police officials have described the attack as a "premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack" against the insurance CEO.
Brian was shot in the back and calf in what authorities believe to be a deliberate act.
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Despite immediate efforts by ambulance workers and police to resuscitate him, Brian was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Threats
In the aftermath of the shooting, Paulette revealed that her husband had received threats prior to the incident.
She told : "Yes, there had been some threats. Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know details.
"I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him".
A police source also confirmed to that Brian had been the subject of multiple threats and that cops are investigating their exact nature and origin.
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Despite these threats, Paulette added that Brian remained dedicated to his work and had not shown signs of concern about his safety.
Suspect and investigation
As of December 5, the killer remains at large.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released images of the suspected shooter, described as a white male wearing a hooded jacket with his face partially covered by a mask and carrying a backpack.
The attack was captured on security cameras, showing the assailant calmly crossing the avenue after the shooting, then escaping on a for-hire electric bike.
Later, the suspect was spotted in Central Park before the trail went cold.
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Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that the killing appeared to be a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working on clues from the bike rental to locate the suspect.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, although Paulette Thompson's revelation about the threats has raised questions about potential connections to issues with insurance coverage.
Engraved bullets
The bullets could provide one clue — the words “deny,” “depose” and “defend” have been found on live rounds and shell casings, police sources told the .
The NYPD is now investigating the words and has recovered three live 9mm rounds and three discharged casings.
Several of the pieces of evidence each contained one word suggesting the gunman may have been trying to leave a message, sources claimed.
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As the investigation continues, the tragic loss of Brian Thompson has sent shockwaves through the business and healthcare communities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said it is "horrifying news and a terrible loss".
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