A
44-year-old executive at Blackstone, Wesley LePatner, was killed in Monday's mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan. The company confirmed her death on Tuesday morning. LePatner was among four victims who lost their lives when a lone gunman stormed the office building at 345 Park Avenue, which is also home to the National Football League and other businesses.
The shooter, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, acted alone according to authorities. Tamura had a history of mental health issues and left behind a note ranting against the NFL, claiming to suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, there is no evidence that he was ever diagnosed with CTE or played professionally.
LePatner served as Blackstone's global head of core+ real estate and CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT), a property fund with significant assets. She joined the firm in 2014 after working at Goldman Sachs for over a decade. LePatner was widely respected within her industry and beyond, known for her brilliance, passion, and generosity.
The company expressed its devastation over LePatner's death, describing her as "a beloved member of the Blackstone family." She is survived by her husband and two children.
