Colorado Bureau of Investigation Reaffirms Hunter S. Thompson’s Death as Suicide After 20-Year Review
WOODY CREEK, Colo. — More than two decades after the death of Hunter S. Thompson, the legendary journalist known for his groundbreaking work in gonzo journalism, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reaffirmed that his 2005 death was a suicide. The ruling comes after an independent review was launched in July 2025, following renewed concerns raised by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson, regarding the circumstances surrounding his passing at their home, Owl Farm, in Woody Creek.
Thompson, who was 67 years old at the time of his death on February 20, 2005, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a conclusion that has stood since the original investigation. The recent review was undertaken to provide clarity and reassurance to the family and the public, as well as to address lingering questions about the case.
Sheriff Michael Buglione, who oversees the area, emphasized the thoroughness of the original investigation and the importance of the independent review. “While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family,” Buglione said in a statement. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity.”
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which is responsible for conducting forensic and investigative services for law enforcement agencies across the state, carried out the comprehensive review. Their reaffirmation aligns with the initial findings that Thompson’s death was self-inflicted, closing the chapter on decades of speculation and public curiosity.
Hunter S. Thompson’s influence on American journalism remains profound, with his distinctive style blending fact and subjective experience, notably in works like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. His death had long been a subject of discussion and analysis, partly due to his larger-than-life persona and the mysterious aura that surrounded his life and work.
The review process was initiated after Anita Thompson voiced concerns about the original investigation, prompting Sheriff Buglione to request the CBI’s involvement. The agency’s reaffirmation not only supports the initial investigative work but also underscores the importance of independent forensic reviews in high-profile cases.
Experts in forensic science and law enforcement have noted that such reviews are critical in ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies often conduct similar independent assessments to verify findings and address any new evidence or concerns.
Hunter S. Thompson’s legacy continues to inspire journalists and writers worldwide, and the closure provided by this reaffirmation allows his story to rest on the foundation of fact. For those interested in the details of forensic investigations and the role of state agencies, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation website offers resources and information on their protocols and case reviews.
As the public reflects on Thompson’s life and contributions, the reaffirmation of the suicide ruling marks a definitive end to the official inquiry into his death, honoring both the truth and the memory of one of America’s most iconic writers.
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