Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Jan 24: A comprehensive case review into the 2005 death of legendary author-journalist Hunter S Thompson has reaffirmed the original finding that he died by suicide, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Friday.

The fresh review was conducted after Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson, raised concerns questioning the official suicide ruling. However, the CBI said the re-examination found no new physical evidence or circumstances that would alter the conclusions reached during the original investigation.

According to the agency, the review corroborated the findings of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office that Thompson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at his Owl Creek farm near Aspen in February 2005. He was 67.

In a statement, the CBI said modern trajectory analysis and scene reconstruction carried out in 2025 were consistent with the original investigation, autopsy report and observations made by investigators at the time. While much of the original physical evidence and photographs had been disposed of, officials reviewed autopsy and law enforcement records, revisited the scene and interviewed key individuals, including Anita Thompson, Thompson’s son Juan, and his former daughter-in-law Jennifer Thompson. The original lead detective and county coroner were also questioned.

Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said the independent review was ordered to address the family’s concerns and provide clarity. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance,” he said.

Hunter S Thompson, a counterculture icon known for pioneering “gonzo journalism”, had been suffering from multiple health issues at the time of his death, including complications from hip replacement surgery, back problems and a broken leg. Friends and family had earlier said he had spoken about ending his life for years. An apparent suicide note, later published by Rolling Stone, reflected on ageing and physical decline.

Responding to the findings, Anita Thompson said she was grateful for the “thorough” review, adding that it would allow those close to the writer to move forward.

Thompson is best remembered for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, originally published in Rolling Stone in 1971 and later adapted into a film starring Johnny Depp. His distinctive persona also inspired the character Uncle Duke in the comic strip Doonesbury.

The case was reopened in July 2025 after Anita Thompson approached authorities following rumours suggesting her husband’s death may have been staged, a claim now dismissed by investigators.