Colorado reopens review of journalist’s 2005 death following request from his widow

Colorado officials are re-examining the death of legendary journalist and author Hunter S Thompson, two decades after his passing was ruled a suicide.

Thompson, who was 67 at the time, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Woody Creek, near Aspen, in February 2005. His widow, Anita Thompson, recently requested that the case be reviewed, prompting the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take a fresh look at the original findings.

The CBI confirmed it is conducting what it called a “case review” of the 2005 investigation. Officials stressed that no new evidence has come to light but said the review aims to ensure transparency and provide closure.

“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,” Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said. He acknowledged Thompson’s influence, adding that the writer had a “profound impact” both locally and internationally.

Thompson remains a towering figure in modern journalism. His work for Rolling Stone, Playboy, and ESPN established him as a pioneer of “gonzo journalism” — a style that blurred the lines between reporting and personal narrative. His 1971 book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas became a counterculture classic, chronicling a drug-fuelled odyssey through the American West. The novel was later adapted into a cult film starring Johnny Depp as Thompson’s alter ego, Raoul Duke.

His other works included Hell’s Angels, an insider’s look at the infamous motorcycle gang, and Generation of Swine, a scathing critique of 1980s American politics.

The original investigation into his death concluded there was no evidence of foul play. Reports from the time noted that Thompson had been on the phone with his wife when he shot himself and that his body was later discovered in the kitchen by his son.

Despite those findings, Thompson’s death has long been surrounded by speculation. His sharp critiques of political figures, his erratic lifestyle, and his larger-than-life persona have fuelled conspiracy theories and lingering questions.

The decision to revisit the case does not mean investigators doubt the 2005 conclusion. Instead, officials say the move reflects a commitment to thoroughness and accountability, particularly given Thompson’s cultural stature.

No timeline has been set for when the review will be completed, but authorities said updates would be provided once findings are available.

For Thompson’s admirers, the announcement has revived memories of his extraordinary career and turbulent life. A fearless chronicler of American excess, he carved out a unique place in journalism, one where the reporter was not a detached observer but a central character in the story itself.

Two decades on, his influence remains visible across literature, film, and even political commentary. The Colorado review may or may not alter the official account of his death, but it underscores the enduring fascination with a writer whose work blurred the line between myth and reality.