Brian Thompson was a high school valedictorian before his rapid rise to the top of UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealth Group Those who knew Brian Thompson when he was young believed he was going to succeed.

Brian Thompson was known as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare for three years. The late executive reportedly made major contributions to the health insurance company over his decades-long career.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside of a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4. He was laid to rest at a private funeral service in his Minnesota hometown on December 9.