Colorado investigators said they will review the death of renowned writer Hunter S. Thompson after his widow requested that officials revisit it two decades later.
Thompson, 67, died in February 2005 at his home in Aspen following what authorities described as a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” His death was ruled a suicide.
At the time, his family said in a statement that he “took his life.”
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office recently referred the case to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after his widow, Anita Thompson, requested a review into the agency’s original investigation.
There is no evidence that suggests foul play in the writer’s death, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said in a news release this week.
“We understand the profound impact Hunter S. Thompson had on this community and beyond,” 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.”
Anita Thompson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
Best known for his book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Thompson has been credited for popularizing gonzo journalism. He immersed himself in an event or story to the point of participation, leading him into places like the Hells Angels motorcycle club during the ’60s.
In the days after his death, Anita Thompson told The Associated Press that her husband had spoken of suicide in the months leading to his death. He spoke of how he was at the “peak” of his life and, “if he quit now, he would feel he was a champion,” she said.
She said she argued against suicide during those discussions.
“I threatened him, ‘I’m out of here,’ I wouldn’t mourn, I would hate him,” she said. “That’s my biggest regret. I’m so sorry, Hunter. Yeah, that’s my biggest regret.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
