In a new memo on Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Whitty recalled his slain colleague Brian Thompson as “one of the good guys” and said he would like to thank his patients. The company encouraged employees to “respect his life” by helping the man and his family.
“Brian was one of the good guys,” Whitty wrote, according to the memo he obtained. Written by Newsweek.
“He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I'll miss him and I'm so proud to call him a friend.”
The memo to workers came from Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, on a midtown Manhattan street ahead of an investor conference in the Big Apple. It was published a week after the shooting.
Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested Monday inside a McDonald's in Pennsylvania and charged with murder.
This cold-blooded killing has brought scrutiny to the health insurance industry, with some even celebrating Thompson's violent death because of his position.
“I know this has been an extremely difficult week,” Whitty said in the letter. ABC News obtained. “Our company remains in mourning.”
According to Newsweek, Whitty emphasized that “a lot of people have said that knowing Brian has made us a little bit better.”
“As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he represented is to continue his legacy and honor those who entrusted us with his care and us. “It's about continuing to do right by the people who depend on us to take care of their loved ones,” he said.
“We must deliver on the promise we made to Brian to make health care better for everyone in every way,” Witty continued. “The work never stops.”
What we know about the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
- Brian Thompson, CEO of insurance giant UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a luxury midtown hotel on Wednesday, police said.
- Mr. Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealth in April 2021. He joined the company in 2004. He was one of several senior executives at the company under investigation by the Justice Department.
- Thompson's wife, Paulette, said she had received threats before her husband was killed.
- The Thompson shooting sparked an online frenzy and even sparked a tasteless lookalike contest in New York.
- A dignitary was arrested by police inside a McDonald's store in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
- The suspect has been identified as Luigi Mangione, 26, of Towson, Maryland. He was an Ivy League graduate who hated the medical world.
Follow the Post's live updates on news about Brian Thompson's murder.
According to ABC News, he said he was “very proud” to work at UnitedHealth Group, which “does so much for so many people,” calling its employees “some of the most caring people in health care.” He praised him as one of the “most dedicated and truly brilliant people.”
Whitty stressed to staff that their work is “really, really important,” adding: “These days are dark, but our patients, members and customers are sending us light.” said.
The Post reached out to UnitedHealth Group for comment late Wednesday night.
