- UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty sent a memo to staff remembering slain executive Brian Thompson and reassuring staff of the importance of their work in the wake of his tragic murder.
UnitedHealth Group is “in a state of mourning” after last week’s brazen murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a leaked memo to employees reads.
In a message to staff, which first leaked Wednesday and has since been shared with and reviewed by Fortune, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty remembered Thompson’s legacy and encouraged the company’s nearly 400,000 employees through this “extraordinarily difficult week.”
“Brian was one of the good guys. He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I’m going to miss him. And I am incredibly proud to call him my friend,” Witty wrote in the memo.
“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 — continuing to do right by the people who’ve entrusted us with their care and those who are counting on us to take care of their loved ones.”
The memo also included messages of support from UnitedHealthcare patients thanking employees for their work and sharing condolences about Thompson’s passing.
“I wanted to let you know that I appreciate all the diligent work [you] did in helping me get a medication that I desperately need,” one anonymous patient message in the memo read. “And to give some positive feedback considering the climate and everything happening at United right now. I want to be a member that says there are good people at United. They really do care.”
Witty went on in the memo to encourage employees to take care of themselves during this difficult time, and vowed that the company was taking multiple measures to increase safety.
“No matter what’s happening, we’re going to be there for the moms and dads who brought one of their kids to a clinic this morning…for the people who need screenings, who need scans, who need surgery.” Witty wrote. “Please look after yourselves, your teams, and your loved ones. Be assured we will continue to take every possible precaution to ensure that you feel safe and supported.”
Witty’s comments echo those from investors who were in town for UnitedHealth Group’s 2024 investor conference last week when Thompson was killed. Many were emotional at the event and remembered Thompson as “a stand-up guy.”
Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of Thompson, was arrested Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pa., after a five-day manhunt. Manhattan prosecutors charged him with murder in the second degree, in addition to charges of possession of a loaded firearm with intent to use it unlawfully, forgery, and providing false identification to police in Pennsylvania, where he is currently held without bail. Mangione was allegedly carrying a 3D-printed ghost gun and a handwritten document criticizing the healthcare industry for prioritizing profit over patient care in his possession at his time of arrest.