A New Look at a Tragic End
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced that it will conduct a fresh review of the case surrounding the death of renowned journalist Hunter S. Thompson, more than 20 years after local investigators concluded that his death was a suicide. This decision comes in response to a request from Thompson’s family, who are seeking further clarity on the circumstances of his passing.
In 2005, Pitkin County investigators determined that Thompson, then 67 years old, died by suicide on February 20 of that year at Owl Farm, his property located in Woody Creek, north of Aspen. Despite this initial ruling, the current Pitkin County sheriff, Michael Buglione, stated that there is no new evidence pointing to foul play. However, he emphasized the importance of providing a transparent and definitive review of the case for the benefit of Thompson’s family and the public.
“We understand the profound impact Hunter S. Thompson had on this community and beyond,” said Sheriff Buglione in a statement. “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.”
While the CBI has not provided an estimated timeline for its investigation, it has committed to sharing updates once the process is complete. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Thompson’s widow, Anita, through a phone number listed for her were met with a full voicemail mailbox. An email was also sent to her foundation seeking comment on the announcement.
A Legacy of Journalism and Counterculture
Hunter S. Thompson was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, known for his unique style of storytelling and his deep involvement in the counterculture movement of the 1970s. He contributed to numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, Playboy, Esquire, and ESPN.com. His most famous work, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, became a cultural touchstone and was later adapted into a 1998 film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.
Thompson is credited alongside Tom Wolfe and Gay Talese for pioneering what he called "gonzo journalism," a form of writing where the author becomes an integral part of the narrative. His work often blurred the lines between fact and fiction, offering readers a raw and unfiltered perspective on the world.
A Political Experiment and a Life in Colorado
In 1970, Thompson ran for sheriff of Pitkin County on the "Freak Power" ticket, a campaign that reflected his rebellious spirit and unconventional approach to politics. Although he lost the election to incumbent Democrat Carrol D. Whitmire by fewer than 500 votes, his run remains a notable chapter in his life.
Born in Kentucky, Thompson eventually made Colorado his home, first living in Aspen before moving to Woody Creek. In 1969, he used the royalties from his book Hell's Angels as a down payment on a 110-acre property in Woody Creek, which he transformed into what one of his biographers described as a “fortified compound.”
A Unique Funeral and Lasting Impact
After his death, a private funeral was held at Owl Farm, where Thompson’s ashes were shot out of a cannon, fulfilling his long-standing wish. “It's expensive, but worth every penny,” Anita Thompson remarked at the time. “I'd like to have several explosions. He loved explosions.”
The funeral attracted around 280 attendees, including celebrities such as Charlie Rose, Jack Nicholson, John Cusack, Bill Murray, John Oates, and Jimmy Buffett. The event marked a fitting tribute to a man who lived life on his own terms.
A New Chapter in the Story
In 2016, CBS News reported that Anita Thompson found a way to extract DNA from the marijuana her husband smoked, which she had saved after his death, and planned to sell it in Colorado. This unusual development highlighted the ongoing fascination with Thompson’s legacy.
Today, a makeshift shrine dedicated to Hunter S. Thompson stands in Snowmass, about seven miles west of Aspen, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of one of America’s most iconic journalists.
Post a Comment