The CEO of Minnetonka, MinnesotaLondon-based UnitedHealth Group sent encouraging words to the health care company on Wednesday, a day after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a targeted shooting in New York last week , was buried.
Thompson, 50, was shot from behind on the sidewalk in front of a Hilton Hotel in New York December 4 before a shareholders conference.
After five days of nationwide manhunt Thompson’s murderer, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, was arrested Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty posted a message online to his UnitedHealth Group colleagues, offering words of encouragement during difficult times.
UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON IS LAID TO REST IN MINNESOTA
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group)
“I know this week has been extremely difficult,” Witty wrote. “Our company remains in mourning. Brian’s family buried him Monday afternoon. And yesterday, colleagues gathered in Minnesota to celebrate his life. It was a life lived to the fullest. And a life that helped to creating a deep emotion. A positive impact on the lives of so many people. People he never saw. People who never knew him.
“Brian was one of the good guys. He was definitely one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I’m going to miss him. And I’m incredibly proud to call him my friend,” Witty added. . “Many have said that we all feel a little better for knowing Brian. There is no truer statement than that. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to continue his legacy — to continue to do right by the people who have entrusted their care to us and those who rely on us to care for their loved ones.
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“We owe it to Brian to keep our promise to make health care work better for everyone, in every way. This work never stops. Whatever happens, we will be here for moms and dads who brought one of their children to a clinic this morning,” Witty said. “We are going to be there for the sickest and most vulnerable among us, whose homes are being visited today by our nurses and social workers. We are going to make sure medications are filled, IVs are administered and that people can follow their therapies for the better.” the rarest pathological conditions.
CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione screams as officers restrain him as he arrives for his extradition hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (David Dee Delgado for Fox News Digital)
“We will be there for people who need screenings, ultrasounds, surgeries. And we will be there when people are released from the hospital – if only to hold their hand as they recover on foot,” he added. “These are the things that people at this company do every day. Behind it all, there are thousands more: making sure claims are paid, calls are answered, questions are answered And, above all, that all this is done according to the highest possible safety standards and always – always – respecting the promise we made to contribute to better functioning of health care and better functioning for all. .
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“I am very proud to be part of an organization that brings so much good to so many people and to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most compassionate, dedicated and brilliant people in the industry. health. I hope you feel that, too,” he wrote. “The same people who counted on us last week are counting on us today – none of that has changed. Our patients, our customers, our partners and our clients need us to be at our best. And then again tomorrow. The day after tomorrow.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan last week. (Businesswire | NYPD Crime Stoppers)
“Never forget: What you do matters. It really, truly matters. There is no higher calling than helping people. Nothing more vital to the human condition than health care,” Witty said. “And although these days have been dark, our patients, members and customers are sending us light – thousands of phone calls, text messages, comments and emails offering their condolences, gratitude and encouragement have been pouring in. And I I thought you might find comfort and strength in their words below.
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“Please take care of yourselves, your teams and your loved ones. Rest assured that we will continue to take every possible precaution to make you feel safe and supported, as you should expect us let’s be there for you too,” he concluded. , signing just his first name, Andrew.
Mollie Markowitz, Andrea Margolis and Sophia Compton of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.