Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust CEO Among Those Killed in NYC Shooting
Wesley LePatner, 43, a highly respected and influential senior executive at investment giant Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX), was among those who lost their lives in yesterday’s shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan.
Blackstone – the world’s largest private markets firm, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets under management – confirmed the news in a statement released this morning. “We are heartbroken to share that our colleague, Wesley LePatner, was among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at 345 Park Avenue,” the company announced. “Words cannot express the devastation we feel. Wesley was a beloved member of the Blackstone family and will be sorely missed.”
LePatner’s impact at Blackstone was far-reaching. At the time of her passing, she held dual roles as global head of core+ real estate and chief executive officer of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, or BREIT. LePatner succeeded Frank Cohen as BREIT’s CEO at the beginning of 2025.
She was also a member of Blackstone real estate’s investment committee. Prior to assuming her most recent responsibilities, she served as chief operating officer of both the Core+ business and BREIT.
“She was brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected within our firm and beyond,” Blackstone’s statement continued, offering a testament to her character and professionalism. “She embodied the best of Blackstone.”
Before joining Blackstone in 2014, LePatner spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs, most recently as a managing director in the real estate investment group within the asset management division. She also worked in Goldman Sachs’ real estate principal investment area and real estate investment banking group, where she began her career.
LePatner was an alumna of Yale University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history.
Her influence extended beyond the boardroom. LePatner was a dedicated philanthropist and community leader, serving on the boards of institutions such as The Abraham Joshua Heschel School, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The UJA-Federation of New York and the Yale University Library Council, and was a member of the Advisory Board of Governors of NAREIT.
“Wesley was the mother of Jonathan in seventh grade; the mother of Emerson; the wife of Evan; the daughter of Larry and Ellyn Mittman; and a beloved relative and friend to so many,” said the head of Heschel School, where Jonathan studies.
The tragic events unfolded Monday afternoon at the Park Avenue high-rise – Blackstone’s headquarters – as employees were preparing to conclude their workday. The company announced that its New York offices would be closed to employees on Tuesday in the wake of the devastating incident.
In addition to Blackstone, the building houses the offices of numerous companies and organizations, including consultant KPMG, building landlord Rudin Management, and the National Football League.
In a somber note to all staff on Monday, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and President Jon Gray reportedly described the day as the “worst day in the firm’s 40-year history,” according to sources familiar with the memo.
“Our prayers are with [Wesley’s] husband, children and family. We are also saddened by the loss of the other innocent victims as well, including brave security personnel and NYPD,” Blackstone concluded, extending condolences to all affected by the tragedy.
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