In Loving Memory of Julia Hyman: Rising Star, Beloved Daughter, and Midtown Manhattan Shooting Victim
NEW YORK, NY — With hearts heavy with sorrow, we mourn the tragic loss of Julia Hyman, a bright and deeply cherished young professional whose life was cut short far too soon in the horrific Midtown Manhattan mass shooting on July 28, 2025. Julia, a proud Cornell University graduate and a promising associate at Rudin Management Company, was among the four innocent lives lost in what authorities have now labeled an act of domestic terrorism.
The shooting, which unfolded in broad daylight within a high-rise building on Sixth Avenue, sent shockwaves through the city. But for those who knew and loved Julia, the loss is deeply personal, profound, and utterly devastating.
A Brilliant Mind and a Warm Soul
At just 26 years old, Julia Hyman was already making a name for herself in New York City’s real estate and development world. As a rising member of Rudin Management, one of the city’s most respected real estate firms, she quickly distinguished herself through her intelligence, grace under pressure, and unwavering work ethic.
A graduate of Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Julia was more than a gifted student — she was a visionary, someone who saw urban landscapes not just as buildings and blueprints, but as opportunities to shape lives and communities.
Her colleagues at Rudin described her as “a force of positivity,” someone who brightened every meeting room she entered and never failed to lift up those around her. She was known for staying late not out of obligation, but because she truly loved her work and the city she helped shape.
A Life Stolen in an Act of Violence
Julia was attending a business meeting in the Midtown office tower on the morning of July 28 when chaos erupted. A gunman, allegedly targeting another organization in the building, opened fire in a planned attack that has left the entire city in mourning. Julia was killed instantly — caught in the wrong place at the wrong time during an unspeakable act of violence.
The New York Police Department has launched a full investigation, working closely with counterterrorism units to understand the motive and connections behind the attack. While arrests have been made, the senselessness of Julia’s death leaves more questions than answers.
Mayor Eric Adams called the attack a “devastating blow to the heart of our city,” and issued a statement mourning the lives lost:
“People like Julia Hyman represented the future of New York — bright, hopeful, dedicated. This tragedy has stolen that future not just from her family, but from all of us.”
Cherished By Many
Julia’s loss has reverberated across multiple communities — from Cornell alumni circles and the real estate community, to the Upper West Side neighborhood where she was born and raised. Friends describe her as someone who gave generously, listened deeply, and laughed often.
She was active in several professional and philanthropic organizations, including Women in Real Estate (WIRE) and Habitat for Humanity NYC, where she volunteered regularly. Julia also mentored students interested in urban planning and was known for her commitment to equity in housing and sustainable development.
Above all, Julia was a beloved daughter, sister, partner, and friend. Her family shared this heartfelt message in the wake of her passing:
“Julia was everything we hoped she would be and more — brilliant, kind, curious, and deeply compassionate. She had only just begun her journey, and to lose her in this way is an agony we cannot describe. We thank everyone for the outpouring of love and ask for privacy as we grieve.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Though her life was tragically cut short, Julia’s legacy endures. Rudin Management has announced plans to establish a memorial scholarship in her name, supporting young women pursuing careers in architecture, urban development, and real estate.
Cornell University has also expressed plans to dedicate a lecture series in her honor, recognizing Julia’s academic excellence and visionary contributions as an alumna.
In the days since the shooting, vigils have been held across the city. Candles, flowers, and messages of love now adorn the steps of her alma mater, the halls of her workplace, and the streets of Manhattan where she once walked with purpose and pride.
Remembering Julia
Julia Hyman was more than just another name in a headline. She was a dreamer, a builder, a trailblazer, and above all, a person who deeply loved life. Her loss is a cruel and unjust reminder of the fragility of peace and the preciousness of each moment.
Let us remember her not for how she died, but for how she lived — with passion, brilliance, and boundless heart.
“She carried sunshine in her voice and ambition in her stride. The city is quieter without her.”
May Julia’s memory be a blessing and may her legacy inspire all of us to live with greater intention, kindness, and courage.
