CEO of Minnetonka, MinnesotaUnitedHealth-based UnitedHealth Group offered encouraging words for the health care company on Wednesday, a day after the burial of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City last week.
Thompson, 50, was shot from behind on the sidewalk outside the home Hilton Hotel New York City December 4 before shareholders conference.
After a five-day nationwide manhunt thompson killer, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, was taken into custody Monday at a McDonald's restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, posted an online message to his colleagues at UnitedHealth Group, offering words of encouragement amid challenging times.
UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO Brian Thompson lies in state in Minnesota
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group)
“I know this has been a very difficult week,” Whitty wrote. “Our company remains in mourning. Brian's family laid him to rest on Monday afternoon. Yesterday, colleagues in Minnesota gathered to celebrate his life. It was a life lived to the fullest. And a life that helped create profound change that had a positive impact on the lives of so many people.” The ones he never saw, the people who never knew him.
Whitty added: “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. I'm so proud to call him my friend.” . “Many have said that we are all a little better for knowing Brian. There is no statement truer than that. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carry on his legacy – to continue to do right by the people who entrusted us with their care and those Who depend on us to care for their loved ones.
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“We owe it to Brian to deliver on our promise to make health care work better for everyone, in every way. This job never stops. No matter what happens, we will be there for the moms and dads who brought one of their children to this morning's clinic,” Whitty said. We will be there for the sickest and most vulnerable among us, whose homes our nurses and caseworkers visit today. “We will make sure medications are filled, IVs are given, and people can navigate their treatments for emergencies.” The rarest condition.
Luigi Mangione, the CEO's murder suspect, screams as officers handcuff him as he arrives for his extradition hearing in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, December 10, 2024. (David De Delgado for Fox News Digital)
“We will be there for people who need tests, who need scans, who need surgery. We will be there when people get out of the hospital — just to hold their hands when they get back on their feet,” he added. “These are the things that the employees of this company do every day.” day. And behind it all are thousands of others – making sure claims are paid, handling calls, answering questions. Most importantly, all of this is done at the highest level of quality possible and we always – always – deliver on our promise to help make healthcare work better and work better for everyone.
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“I am so proud to be part of an organization that does so much good for so many, and to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most compassionate, dedicated, and truly brilliant people in healthcare. I hope you feel that way,” he also wrote. “The same people who were counting on us.” Last week, they're counting on us today – none of that has changed. Our patients, clients, partners and clients need us to be at our best. Then again tomorrow. After day after day. Next week.
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death in midtown Manhattan last week. (BUSINESS WIRE | NYPD Crime Stoppers)
“Never forget: What you do matters. It really matters,” Whitty said. “There is no higher calling than helping people. Nothing is more important to the human condition than health care.” “And even though these days are dark, our patients, members and customers are sending us light – thousands of phone calls, texts, comments and emails pouring in offering condolences, gratitude and encouragement. And 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 precaution possible to ensure you feel safe and supported, because you should expect that we will be there for you too,” he concluded. He signed only his first name, Andrew.
Fox News Digital's Molly Markowitz, Andrea Margolis and Sophia Compton contributed to this report.
