The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has announced that a follow-up investigation into the death of Hunter S. Thompson that came at the request of Thompson’s widow has confirmed that Thompson died of suicide.

The formal request for the review was received by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office on July 31, more than 20 years after Thompson was found dead at his Woody Creek residence on February 20, 2005.

“While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family,” said Sheriff Michael Buglione. “CBI’s conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity.”

The review included looking at law enforcement records and autopsy reports, as well as interviewing various parties related to Thompson and the original investigation. The scene of Thompson’s death was examined as well, though most physical evidence and photographs from the original investigation had been disposed of per the sheriff’s office non-criminal case retention policy.

According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation report on the matter, speculative theories related to Thompson’s death could not be substantiated. It was noted that original crime scene photos that had been recovered by Thompson’s widow corroborated that Thompson’s body was aligned with bullet trajectory, supporting the conclusion that his body was not moved or staged.

Hunter S. Thompson remains a well-known figure in Colorado history and culture, living in the Woody Creek area, near Aspen, for decades prior to his death. The still-open Woody Creek Tavern is one spot where he was known to frequent, with fans of his writing sometimes stopping by for a visit today to pay homage to his impact on the field of gonzo journalism.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)