Colorado Bureau of Investigation officers on Friday confirmed the 2005 death of famend writer and journalist Hunter S. Thompson was a results of suicide, nearly six months after the state began reviewing the case by request of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
State investigators began reviewing the case after Thompson’s widow, Anita, reached out to Sheriff Michael Buglione with issues about her late husband’s death at their residence, Owl Farm, in Woody Creek on Feb. 20, 2005.
CBI to evaluate investigation into death of Hunter S. Thompson
“While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family,” Buglione mentioned in an announcement. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity.”
Hunter S. Thompson was 67 years outdated when he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence close to Aspen. Friends and household mentioned he skilled suicidal ideation and had instructed them on what to do along with his physique.
CBI’s case evaluate included trying on the authentic investigation information from Pitkin County and post-mortem report from forensic pathologist Dr. Dean Havlik, and interviewing Anita Thompson, Hunter Thompson’s son Juan and former daughter-in-law Jennifer, authentic lead investigators Ron Ryan, Coroner Steven Ayers and former Sheriff Joe DiSalvo.
State officers additionally re-examined the scene of his death, which was vital as a result of “most original physical evidence and photographs had been disposed of by the (sheriff’s office) in accordance with non-criminal case retention schedules,” the CBI mentioned Friday.
Investigators additionally did a trajectory evaluation and scene reconstruction, which was according to all earlier studies.
“The CBI’s review did not uncover any new physical evidence, facts or circumstances to support a conclusion different from the 2005 investigation,” company officers mentioned.
Colorado officers additionally didn’t discover any inconsistent info between the follow-up interviews and scene examination and authentic investigation.
“Original crime scene photographs, recovered by Anita Thompson, were reviewed and corroborated that Thompson’s body was aligned with the bullet trajectory, supporting the finding that the body was not moved or ‘staged’ after death,” CBI officers mentioned.
“All speculative theories could not be substantiated,” state officers famous later.
Hunter S. Thompson was finest recognized for creating gonzo journalism, an often-hyperbolic fashion of writing through which the writer is included as a major determine within the story.
He labored as a nationwide affairs correspondent for Rolling Stone and penned the semi-autobiographical novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which was developed right into a 1998 movie starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.
But Hunter S. Thompson went on to expertise “physical and mental decline” and likewise idolized writer Ernest Hemingway, who died by suicide, CBI officers mentioned.
DiSalvo, who was undersheriff on the time of Thompson’s death as effectively as a pal, instructed The Denver Post on Friday he was bewildered as to why the case was ever reopened or referred to the CBI for evaluate.
DiSalvo, who was indirectly concerned within the preliminary investigation, mentioned he was shocked, however not stunned, when Thompson died by suicide.
“Even a year or so before, you could see deterioration,” DiSalvo mentioned. “His current life was not that much fun for him, and I think everyone knew that.”
The pair grew to become associates after Thompson ran for Pitkin County sheriff, and DiSalvo remembers that Thompson regularly would make macabre jokes about suicide, miming taking pictures himself along with his fingers or whereas holding a gun.
In a New York Times story revealed Sunday, members of the family additionally mentioned he confirmed indicators that he deliberate to take his personal life, like watching his favourite film along with his grandson and making a gift of presents earlier than his death.
But Thompson was far more than how he died, his weird habits or his tendency to overindulge in medicine, alcohol and intercourse, DiSalvo mentioned.
“There’s a different side of his life where I wish we could get past the craziness and look at the intellect of what he was and who he was,” he mentioned.
“He did a lot of things that were for the good of the person and not for fame, and I wish we could get to those instead of … one more reminder that he was a maniac,” DiSalva mentioned later. “That’s not how I prefer to remember him.”
In an announcement launched by the CBI, Anita Thompson thanked state officers for his or her work.
“This allows all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience,” she mentioned.
Editor’s observe: Anyone experiencing a psychological well being disaster or contemplating suicide ought to contact Colorado’s Mental Health Line by calling or texting 988 totally free, confidential help accessible 24/7. People needing help may also attain out at chat.988lifeline.org.
Sign as much as get crime information despatched straight to your inbox every day.
