In Loving Memory of Julia Hyman: Promising Young Professional Among Victims of Midtown Manhattan Mass Shooting
NEW YORK, NY — With hearts heavy with sorrow, we mourn the tragic loss of Julia Hyman, a brilliant and deeply cherished young professional whose life was cut short in the senseless and horrifying mass shooting that unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on the morning of July 28, 2025. Julia was just 29 years old — full of promise, compassion, and dreams that were only beginning to unfold. Her passing has left an immense void in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the broader New York City community that she so fully embraced.
A Life Full of Potential and Purpose
Julia Hyman was a woman of remarkable intellect, kindness, and quiet determination. A native of the New York metro area, she attended Brown University, where she earned her degree with honors in economics and public policy. After college, she quickly established herself as a rising star in the world of finance, eventually joining a prominent investment firm in Manhattan. Her colleagues remember her as sharp, insightful, and incredibly hardworking — but also as someone who never let ambition overshadow her kindness.
She was known for offering a helping hand to junior team members, often staying late to assist others or explain complex concepts with patience and humility. “Julia had this rare blend of brilliance and empathy,” said one coworker. “She made you feel like your voice mattered.”
Beyond her professional life, Julia was a passionate advocate for economic equity and women’s empowerment. She volunteered with several nonprofits, mentoring underprivileged high school students and supporting young women interested in STEM and finance careers. She was, in every sense, a builder of bridges — between people, ideas, and possibility.
The Tragedy That Stunned a City
The morning of July 28th was supposed to be a normal start to the workweek — busy, routine, and filled with the promise of summer. But in an instant, everything changed. A gunman, later identified as Shane Tamura, entered the high-rise building where Julia and dozens of others were working. He opened fire in what authorities believe was a targeted workplace attack, ultimately taking the lives of multiple innocent individuals before fatally turning the gun on himself.
Julia was among the victims. According to initial reports, she had no connection to the shooter and was tragically caught in the crossfire. The violence sent shockwaves across the city, especially in the professional and young adult communities where Julia was so deeply respected and loved.
“She was just getting started,” said one of her closest friends. “She had so much to give — to the world, to the people around her. It’s unbearable that her light was stolen like this.”
Family, Friends, and a Grieving City
Julia leaves behind her devoted parents, a younger brother, and countless friends and extended family members who adored her. In the days following the tragedy, vigils have been held in parks and public spaces across the city, where candles, flowers, and handwritten notes pay tribute to her life and spirit. Stories abound of her generosity, quiet strength, and infectious laughter — a person whose presence made people feel grounded, appreciated, and safe.
Her parents issued a brief but poignant statement through a family spokesperson:
“Julia was our joy. She was thoughtful, driven, and full of compassion for others. She had so much ahead of her — so many dreams she was working tirelessly to achieve. We are devastated by her loss and pray for peace, accountability, and healing.”
Honoring Julia’s Legacy
As the city mourns and grapples with yet another senseless act of violence, there is an urgent call to ensure that Julia’s name is remembered not just for how she died, but for how she lived. Friends and former classmates have already begun organizing a scholarship fund in her honor to support young women pursuing careers in finance and policy — two fields where Julia was making a name for herself.
Colleagues at her firm are also discussing launching an annual fellowship or mentorship initiative under her name, continuing her commitment to equity, education, and helping others rise.
A Light Gone Too Soon
The pain of Julia Hyman’s loss is profound and far-reaching. She represented the very best of what it means to be a citizen of New York — vibrant, tenacious, endlessly kind, and deeply invested in the future of her community. Her absence will be felt in every conversation, every missed milestone, every dream left unfinished.
And yet, even in her passing, Julia’s life will continue to make an impact — through the countless people she inspired, the causes she supported, and the memories her loved ones will carry forward with fierce devotion.
Rest in peace, Julia.
Your light may be gone from this world, but your spirit will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.