Colorado authorities have definitively confirmed that the 2005 shooting death of legendary journalist Hunter S. Thompson was a suicide, following a comprehensive review of the case. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced the findings on Friday, stating that their examination reaffirms the original determination made nearly two decades ago.
Review Prompted by Family Concerns
The investigation was reopened in September after Thompson's wife, Anita Thompson, approached authorities with what were described as "new concerns and potential information" regarding the circumstances of her husband's death. In an official news release, the bureau acknowledged her request for further scrutiny of the tragic event.
Anita Thompson expressed gratitude for the thoroughness of the review in a statement accompanying the announcement. "This allows all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience," she remarked, thanking investigators for their "kind and thorough work" in re-examining the case.
The Original Investigation and Legacy
Hunter S. Thompson, the pioneering journalist who revolutionised reporting with his first-person gonzo style in works like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," died at his home near Aspen, Colorado in February 2005 at age 67. His passing sent shockwaves through literary and journalistic circles, marking the end of an era for counterculture writing.
Following his death, Thompson's remains were famously cremated and launched from a cannon during a private Colorado ceremony, as per his specific requests. The memorial attracted numerous notable figures, including actor Johnny Depp, who had portrayed Thompson's alter ego Raoul Duke in the 1998 film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
Official Reassurance and Closure
Michael Buglione, the sheriff for the Aspen area, commented on the review's significance, stating that while he believed the original investigation had been conducted properly, he recognised the importance of an independent examination. "CBI's conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity," Buglione stated, emphasising the thoroughness of both the initial and subsequent investigations.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's review represents the final official word on Thompson's death, bringing closure to a case that has lingered in public consciousness for years. The confirmation provides definitive answers to questions that have persisted since the journalist's tragic passing, while honouring the family's need for certainty about the circumstances surrounding his death.
