The apparent suicide of renowned journalist and author Hunter S Thompson is under renewed scrutiny by investigators in Colorado, over 18 years after his death. Thompson, aged 67 at the time, died on February 20, 2005, at his Woody Creek home. The initial investigation ruled his death as a suicide. However, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced this week that it would be reviewing the case.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the original investigation, has stated that there is no new evidence suggesting foul play in Thompson’s death. The independent review by the CBI was initiated following a request from Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson. Sheriff Michael Buglione expressed the department’s intent to address lingering questions surrounding the author’s death.
“We understand the profound impact Hunter S Thompson had on this community and beyond,” Sheriff Buglione said. “By bringing in an outside agency for a fresh look, we hope to provide a definitive and transparent review that may offer peace of mind to his family and the public.”
Moments Leading Up to Thompson’s 2005 Death
On that fateful February day, police were called to Thompson’s property around 6 PM after his son, Juan Thompson, reported a shooting. Thompson’s residence, known as Owl Farm, was a “fortified compound” situated on a 44-hectare property in Woody Creek, northwest of Aspen. As Officer John Armstrong approached the home, he reportedly heard three additional gunshots.
Juan Thompson, who had been visiting with his wife and son, informed Officer Armstrong of the gunshots. Friends and family noted that Thompson was recovering from multiple surgeries and a recent broken leg at the time. In the days preceding his death, he had given family heirlooms and rare book copies to his son and discussed his final wishes.
On the night before his death, Thompson had an argument with his wife, during which he fired a pellet gun at a gong in their kitchen. This incident was later detailed in a Rolling Stone article by Douglas Brinkley, a friend and fellow author. That day, Anita Thompson reconciled with her husband before leaving for a fitness class in Aspen. She later recalled hearing a “strange clicking noise” during a phone call with him, moments before his death.
According to the police report, Juan Thompson heard a “dull sound, not a sharp crack typical of a gunshot,” while sitting in the living room. A handgun was found beside Thompson’s foot, and the death was concluded to be self-inflicted.
CBI Review: A Closer Look
The CBI has assigned a special agent to review the 2006 report. Depending on the findings, they may choose to reopen the case or affirm the original conclusion. No timeline has been provided for the completion of this review. Sheriff Buglione mentioned that discussions about the review began in April 2025, emphasizing that Anita Thompson’s concerns were more about rumors than the initial investigation.
“I discussed the possibility of bringing in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation … and we spoke to them and they were open and willing to do that,” Sheriff Buglione said. “I gave Ms Thompson those options of doing a case review or reopening the investigation.”
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, the sheriff assured that the review was not prompted by Thompson’s celebrity status. “I would do it for anybody in Pitkin County who lost a loved one,” he stated. Anita Thompson and Juan Thompson have not made any public comments regarding the review.
Thompson’s ‘Gonzo’ Legacy
Born in Kentucky in 1937, Hunter S Thompson’s career began in the US Air Force, where he worked as a sports writer. He gained fame with his book “Hell’s Angels,” which involved living with the motorcycle club for a year. His unique style of “Gonzo” journalism, where the writer becomes a central narrative figure, made him a cult figure.
Thompson’s most famous work, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” was published in 1972 and later adapted into a film starring Johnny Depp. In 1970, he ran for Sheriff of Pitkin County, narrowly losing the election. After his death, fulfilling his wishes, his ashes were fired from a cannon at Owl Farm, attended by friends, family, and celebrities like Depp and Sean Penn.
The CBI’s review of Hunter S Thompson’s death is a testament to his enduring influence and the unresolved questions that continue to surround his life and legacy. As the investigation progresses, it may provide closure to those who knew him and admired his work.
