Colorado Investigators Confirm Hunter S. Thompson’s Death as Suicide

HUNTER S. THOMPSON, Colorado Bureau of Investigation officials on Friday confirmed that the 2005 death of renowned author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson was the result of suicide, nearly six months after the state began reviewing the case at the request of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

State investigators reopened a review of the case after Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson, contacted Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione with questions regarding her late husband’s death at their home, Owl Farm, in Woody Creek on Feb. 20, 2005.

“While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family,” Buglione said in a statement. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity.”

Hunter S. Thompson was 67 years old when he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home near Aspen. Family members previously stated that Thompson had struggled with suicidal ideation and had discussed instructions regarding his remains.

The CBI review included an examination of original investigation records from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and the autopsy report prepared by forensic pathologist Dr. Dean Havlik. Investigators also interviewed Anita Thompson, Thompson’s son Juan Thompson, former daughter-in-law Jennifer Thompson, original lead investigator Ron Ryan, county coroner Steven Ayers, and former sheriff Joe DiSalvo.

State officials also re-examined the scene of Thompson’s death, a step deemed necessary because most original physical evidence and photographs had been disposed of by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in accordance with non-criminal case retention schedules, the CBI said.

Investigators conducted a trajectory analysis and scene reconstruction, which officials said was consistent with findings from the original investigation.

“The CBI’s review did not uncover any new physical evidence, facts, or circumstances to support a conclusion different from the 2005 investigation,” agency officials said.

Authorities added that no inconsistencies were found between follow-up interviews, the scene examination, and the original investigative conclusions.

“Original crime scene photographs, recovered by Anita Thompson, were reviewed and corroborated that Thompson’s body was aligned with the bullet trajectory, supporting the finding that the body was not moved or staged after death,” CBI officials said, adding that speculative theories could not be substantiated.

Hunter S. Thompson was widely known as the creator of gonzo journalism, a style that blends reporting with personal narrative. He served as a national affairs correspondent for Rolling Stone and authored the semi-autobiographical novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which was later adapted into a 1998 film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

Investigators noted that Thompson later experienced physical and mental decline and admired author Ernest Hemingway, who also died by suicide. Family members told The New York Times that Thompson showed signs he may have been planning his death, including watching a favorite movie with his grandson and giving away personal items.

In a statement released by the CBI, Anita Thompson thanked investigators for their work, saying the findings allow those who loved Hunter S. Thompson to move forward with clarity.