Wesley LePatner, a 43-year-old senior managing director at Blackstone and mother of two, has been identified as one of the four people killed in the recent mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Colleagues remembered her as not only an exceptional professional but also a warm and generous person. To her grieving family, she was simply irreplaceable.
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of July 28, when 27-year-old Shane Tamura opened fire in the lobby of the building, killing LePatner, an NYPD officer, and two others. He later died by suicide on the 33rd floor. Authorities have confirmed that he acted alone, and investigations into his motive are ongoing.
Blackstone released a statement mourning LePatner’s loss, describing her as “brilliant, passionate, and deeply respected.” The company also held an emergency all-hands call and made support services available to employees. LePatner had joined Blackstone in 2014 after a decade at Goldman Sachs and eventually led its Core+ Real Estate division and the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust.
A Yale graduate, LePatner also served on several cultural and philanthropic boards, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Former colleagues highlighted her humility and her strong advocacy for women in finance. She is survived by her husband, two children, and parents.
Another victim, NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, 36, was killed while working off-duty security. A devoted husband and father of two young sons—with a third child on the way—Islam was praised by city leaders and police officials for his selflessness and courage. Originally from Bangladesh, he had been with the NYPD for over three years.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams honored Officer Islam as a hero who died fulfilling his oath to protect New Yorkers. Adams also met with the officer’s family, describing him as a man of deep faith and moral conviction.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sorrow for all four victims and emphasized the senseless nature of the violence. As the investigation continues, sources say the shooter left a suicide note referencing grievances with the NFL and a possible brain disease, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). He reportedly requested his brain be studied.