Julia Hyman: A Life Tragically Cut Short
The Breaking News
Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old Cornell University graduate and associate at Rudin Management, was one of four people killed in a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, on July 28, 2025. The gunman, Shane Devon Tamura, mistakenly took the wrong elevator intended for the NFL’s offices and ended up on the 33rd floor where Julia worked.
Who Was Julia Hyman?
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Julia graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University in 2020, majoring in Hotel & Restaurant Administration with a minor in Real Estate.
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She began working as an associate at Rudin Management in November 2024 and had been with the company for less than nine months.
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She was remembered by colleagues as bright, empathetic, and committed to community-focused development—passionate about making cities serve people.
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Julia was a proud Jewish woman, honored by Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and Jewish community groups for her promise and humanity.
The Day of the Shooting and Its Aftermath
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 28, 2025, evening |
| Location | 345 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan – 33rd floor (Rudin Management) |
| Perpetrator | Shane Devon Tamura, 27 |
| Motive | Blamed NFL and believed he had CTE from high school football |
| Fatalities | Julia Hyman; Aland Etienne (security guard); Wesley LePatner (Blackstone executive); Didarul Islam (off‑duty NYPD officer) |
| Outcome | Shooter died by suicide at the scene |
| Key Insight | Shooter intended to target NFL offices but took the wrong elevator bank to Rudin’s floor |
| Public Response | Statements from NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Cornell University, Rudin, and Jewish leaders |
The gunman left a note decrying CTE and asking for his brain to be studied. Despite having no professional football experience, he blamed the NFL for his condition. The tragic mis‑elevator led him to the floor where Julia and her colleagues were working.
Honoring the victims, Mayor Adams and Cornell President Kotlikoff issued public statements expressing deep sorrow. Jewish groups, classmates, and coworkers shared tributes, emphasizing Julia's warmth, intellect, and dedication to community upliftment .
At a Glance: Key Details
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Julia Hyman – 27, Manhattan native, Cornell 2020 graduate, Rudin Management associate since Nov 2024.
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The Incident – Gunman intended to target NFL offices, mistakenly took elevator to her floor, opened fire.
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Other Victims – Wesley LePatner (Blackstone), Didarul Islam (NYPD officer), Aland Etienne (security guard).
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The Shooter’s Motive – Claimed he suffered from CTE due to playing high school football and blamed NFL; left behind manifesto.
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Community Response – Condolences from Rudin, Cornell, NYC leadership, Jewish community, and social media tributes.
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Legacy – Julia was known for her empathy, intelligence, mentorship in women’s real estate careers, and community projects.
Honoring Julia Hyman’s Legacy
Julia’s death has prompted a response that reflects her values and promise:
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Cornell University highlighted her academic achievements, Jewish identity, and the impact she made at her reunion this summer.
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Rudin Management described her as “extraordinary,” mindful of her professionalism and passion—even after less than a year with the firm.
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Jewish and university groups honored her memory as a model of dedication, warmth, and ambition for young women in planning and real estate development.
Further efforts are underway to ensure her life and work are remembered—such as scholarships or public memorials, with the family asking for privacy during their grief.
Conculsion: A Legacy of Promise and Compassion
Julia Hyman’s untimely death is a profound loss not only to her family and friends but to the broader communities she touched through her intelligence, kindness, and dedication. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy endures in the memories of those who knew her, the mentorship she provided, and the positive impact she made in her young career. As the city and her alma mater mourn, they also celebrate the values Julia embodied—resilience, empathy, and a commitment to building a better future. Her story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of honoring those who inspire us, even in the darkest of times.
