Open Case: Authorities Revisit Hunter S. Thompson’s Death

More than two decades after his death, the 2005 case of the death of journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson is being reopened in Colorado. On September 30, 2025, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced it was conducting a case review into Thompson’s death — originally ruled a suicide — to provide an “independent perspective” on the initial investigation.

Why Now?

The review was initiated at the suggestion of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, following a formal request by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson. According to Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione, there is no new evidence pointing to foul play — but the decision to allow a fresh investigation is intended to address unanswered questions and provide transparency to both the public and Thompson’s family.

“We understand the profound impact Hunter S. Thompson had on this community and beyond,” Buglione said. “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.”

The CBI itself described the review as one aimed at “provid[ing] an independent perspective” on the 2005 investigation. As of now, there is no set timeline for the completion of the review.

The Original Ruling

At the time of his death on February 20, 2005, Thompson was 67 years old and residing at his home near Aspen, in Woody Creek, Colorado. The Pitkin County coroner ruled his death a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, rejecting the need for a toxicology report, stating that any substances present would not affect the manner of death.

At the time, Anita Thompson told reporters she had been on the phone with her husband moments before his death. She said she heard a sound she believed was typing, but later realized it was the cocking of a gun just before the fatal shot. She also revealed that Thompson had discussed suicide in the preceding months, which she said had strained their marriage.

Because Thompson’s body was cremated soon after, and his remains were never preserved for further forensic study, the review will not include reexamination of his remains.

One of the more unusual aspects of his funeral was that his ashes were launched from a cannon — a spectacle funded by his friend Johnny Depp, who starred as Thompson in the film adaptation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

What Could the Review Uncover?

While no new evidence has been disclosed, the review may reinvestigate procedural aspects of the original case — such as whether all relevant leads were examined, or whether records were handled in a manner consistent with modern standards.

Still, with the coroner’s ruling, lack of preserved remains, and no admitted new leads, some analysts suggest any new findings may be more about context and explanation than overturning the original conclusion.

As the CBI review proceeds, officials caution patience: no estimated finish date has been set, and updates will be released when available.

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