Colorado Bureau of Investigation to review investigation into death of Hunter S. Thompson

Katie Langford, The Denver Post on Sep 30, 2025

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DENVER — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced Tuesday that it will review the investigation into the 2005 death of renowned journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson at his Woody Creek home, 20 years after local authorities ruled the case a suicide.

State investigators are reviewing the case “to provide an independent perspective” on the investigation after hearing from Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office officials, who were contacted by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson.

There is no new evidence that suggests foul play in Hunter S. Thompson’s death, Sheriff Michael Buglione said in a news release Tuesday.

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

Hunter S. Thompson died Feb. 20, 2005, at the age of 67 after he shot himself in the head at his home near Aspen.

State investigators on Tuesday described his suicide as “alleged.”

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