Colorado Bureau of Investigation officials on Friday confirmed the 2005 death of renowned author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson was a result of suicide, almost six months after the state started reviewing the case by request of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
State investigators started reviewing the case after Thompson’s widow, Anita, reached out to Sheriff Michael Buglione with concerns about her late husband’s death at their home, Owl Farm, in Woody Creek on Feb. 20, 2005.
CBI to review investigation into death of Hunter S. Thompson
“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. Friends and family said he experienced suicidal ideation and had instructed them on what to do with his body.
CBI's case review included looking at the original investigation records from Pitkin County and autopsy report from forensic pathologist Dr. Dean Havlik, and interviewing Anita Thompson, Hunter Thompson's son Juan and former daughter-in-law Jennifer, original lead investigators Ron Ryan, Coroner Steven Ayers and former Sheriff Joe DiSalvo.
State officials also re-examined the scene of his death, which was necessary because "most original physical evidence and photographs had been disposed of by the (sheriff's office) in accordance with non-criminal case retention schedules," the CBI said Friday.
Investigators also did a trajectory analysis and scene reconstruction, which was consistent with all previous reports.
"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.
Colorado officials also did not find any inconsistent information between the follow-up interviews and scene examination and original investigation.
"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.
"All speculative theories could not be substantiated," state officials noted later.
Hunter S. Thompson was best known for developing gonzo journalism, an often-hyperbolic style of writing in which the author is included as a main figure in the story.
He worked as a national affairs correspondent for Rolling Stone and penned the semi-autobiographical novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," which was developed into a 1998 film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.
But Hunter S. Thompson went on to experience "physical and mental decline" and also idolized author Ernest Hemingway, who died by suicide, CBI officials said.
DiSalvo, who was undersheriff at the time of Thompson's death as well as a friend, told The Denver Post on Friday he was bewildered as to why the case was ever reopened or referred to the CBI for review.
DiSalvo, who was not directly involved in the initial investigation, said he was shocked, but not surprised, when Thompson died by suicide.
"Even a year or so before, you could see deterioration," DiSalvo said. "His current life was not that much fun for him, and I think everyone knew that."
The pair became friends after Thompson ran for Pitkin County sheriff, and DiSalvo remembers that Thompson frequently would make macabre jokes about suicide, miming shooting himself with his fingers or while holding a gun.
In a published Sunday, family members also said he showed signs that he planned to take his own life, like watching his favorite movie with his grandson and giving away gifts before his death.
But Thompson was much more than how he died, his bizarre behavior or his tendency to overindulge in drugs, alcohol and sex, DiSalvo said.
"There's a different side of his life where I wish we could get past the craziness and look at the intellect of what he was and who he was," he said.
"He did a lot of things that were for the good of the person and not for fame, and I wish we could get to those instead of ... one more reminder that he was a maniac," DiSalva said later. "That's not how I prefer to remember him."
In a statement released by the CBI, Anita Thompson thanked state officials for their work.
"This allows all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience," she said.
Editor's note: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide should contact Colorado's Mental Health Line by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential support available 24/7. People needing support can also reach out at .
