DENVER (AP) – Investigators in Colorado announced on Friday that they have determined journalist Hunter S. Thompson's death, which occurred in 2005, was a suicide. This conclusion followed a review prompted by the local authorities at the request of his widow, Anita Thompson, who expressed "new concerns and potential information" regarding the original investigation into her husband's death.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported that this review, which came to light in September, was thorough but did not disclose the specific details of the new information provided by Anita Thompson. The agency clarified that Thompson's body "was not moved or ‘staged’ after death," maintaining the integrity of the original crime scene.
Interviews conducted with family members and the initial investigators indicated that Thompson was experiencing significant levels of depression and chronic pain when he died. Dr. Steven Ayers, the Pitkin County coroner, noted that Thompson was in a state of mental and physical decline, and mentioned that he idolized Ernest Hemingway, the legendary author who also died by suicide.
CBI’s report emphasized that “all speculative theories could not be substantiated,” reinforcing the initial findings that Thompson’s death was an act of suicide rather than a result of foul play or accident. In response to the findings, Anita Thompson expressed her gratitude towards the CBI for their "kind and thorough work," stating that the results allow those who loved Hunter to "move forward with a clean conscience."
Although CBI spokesperson Rob Low refrained from discussing the specific concerns that prompted the review, he confirmed that investigators had retraced the trajectory of the bullet that killed Thompson. This investigation was aided by a bullet fragment that was still lodged within an appliance inside Thompson's home, Owl Farm in Woody Creek, Colorado.
Furthermore, original crime scene photographs, which were recovered by Anita Thompson, showed that the body was positioned along the path of the fatal bullet, further corroborating the conclusions of the investigation. Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione stated that he believes the original investigation was correctly conducted, but acknowledged the value and significance of an independent review of the case.
Buglione addressed the CBI findings, stating that they reaffirm the results of the original investigation, and expressed hope that this would offer reassurance and clarity concerning the circumstances of Thompson's death.
Hunter S. Thompson, renowned for his pioneering style of gonzo journalism, passed away in February 2005 at the age of 67. His death at his Aspen-area residence was followed by an unconventional cremation, wherein his ashes were famously shot from a cannon at his request during a private ceremony attended by various celebrities, including actor Johnny Depp, who portrayed him in the film adaptation of Thompson’s notable work, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”
This recent review stands as a significant point in the ongoing discussion about the life and legacy of Hunter S. Thompson, as well as the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.




