Colorado review confirms journalist Hunter S. Thompson died by suicide

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed Friday that journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s 2005 death was a suicide, following an independent review requested by his widow, Anita Thompson.

The CBI’s findings reaffirmed the original 2005 investigation while addressing new concerns raised by Thompson’s widow, who said the review allows her family to “move forward with a clean conscience.”

The review was initiated in September after Anita Thompson, the journalist’s widow, contacted the Aspen-area sheriff with “new concerns and potential information regarding the investigation” into her husband’s death. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said it did not disclose publicly what concerns prompted the request.

Investigation Findings

The CBI investigation found that Thompson’s body “was not moved or ‘staged’ after death.” Interviews with family members and original investigators confirmed that Thompson suffered from significant depression and chronic pain before his death. According to Pitkin County Coroner Dr. Steven Ayers, Thompson was in physical and mental decline and idolized author Ernest Hemingway, who also died by suicide.

“All speculative theories could not be substantiated,” the CBI said.

In a statement, Anita Thompson thanked the bureau for its work. “This allows all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience,” she said.

Life and Legacy

Thompson, who popularized gonzo journalism through works including “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” died in February 2005 at his Aspen-area home, Owl Farm in Woody Creek, at age 67. His remains were cremated and fired from a cannon at his request during a private ceremony in Colorado. Actor Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in the 1998 film adaptation of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” attended the ceremony.

Forensic Evidence

As part of the review, investigators examined Thompson’s home, though most original physical evidence and photographs had been destroyed under protocols for cases not considered criminal. Using a fragment still lodged in an appliance, investigators tracked the path of the fatal bullet, said Colorado Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Rob Low.

Original crime scene photos recovered by Anita Thompson showed that the body’s position aligned with the path of the bullet, according to the CBI.

Michael Buglione, the Aspen-area sheriff, said the original investigation had been conducted properly but that the independent review was important. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity,” he said in a statement.