Colorado investigators confirm Hunter S. Thompson’s death was a suicide.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation officials have confirmed that the death of Hunter S. Thompson, the acclaimed journalist and author, was a suicide. This announcement followed a review initiated in early 2025 at the request of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, specifically addressing concerns raised by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson. The review process took nearly six months, culminating in a report that reaffirmed the conclusions of the initial investigation conducted in 2005.

Thompson, who was 67 years old at the time of his death, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence, Owl Farm, located in Woody Creek, Colorado, on February 20, 2005. Family members had previously revealed that he experienced suicidal thoughts and had made preparations regarding the disposition of his body.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s review involved an extensive examination of the original case materials, including the autopsy report prepared by forensic pathologist Dr. Dean Havlik. Investigators conducted interviews with key individuals, including Anita Thompson, Thompson’s son Juan Thompson, and former daughter-in-law Jennifer Thompson, along with the original lead investigators from the case. The reexamination of the scene of Thompson’s death was necessary due to the disposal of most original physical evidence and photographs by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, which followed case retention guidelines for non-criminal investigations.

Additionally, investigators performed trajectory analysis and scene reconstruction, corroborating the findings of the original investigation. According to the CBI, no new physical evidence or facts emerged to dispute the original conclusion of suicide. They noted that all follow-up interviews and the examination of the scene were consistent with initial investigative findings.

CBI officials clarified that original crime scene photographs recovered by Anita Thompson supported the conclusion that her husband’s body was positioned in alignment with the bullet trajectory, ruling out any theories of staging after death. The investigation dismissed all speculative theories surrounding Thompson’s demise, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their review.

Hunter S. Thompson is credited with pioneering the gonzo journalism style, a form of narrative writing in which the author immerses themselves in the story. He was widely recognized for his work as a national affairs correspondent for Rolling Stone and for his novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which inspired a film adaptation in 1998.

Despite his literary accomplishments, Thompson faced significant personal challenges, including a decline in both physical and mental health. He was known to admire the late author Ernest Hemingway, who also died by suicide.

In light of the CBI’s findings, Anita Thompson expressed gratitude for the agency’s thorough work, stating that the closure provided would help those who loved her late husband, allowing them to move forward with peace of mind. For individuals seeking support, resources for mental health and crisis intervention remain available nationally through a 24-hour helpline, reachable by calling or texting 988.