Revisiting Hunter S. Thompson’s Death

The family of Hunter S. Thompson is taking a closer look at his suicide from 2005, especially with claims emerging about wanting full control over his estate.

Anita Thompson, Hunter’s widow, has raised suspicions that his son, Juan Thompson, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Winkel, might have altered the scene of his death to appear like suicide. This information came to light through text messages sent to former employees of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, as reported by The New York Times.

Anita, married to Hunter for two years before his death at their home in Aspen, has alleged that Juan’s ex-wife and Jennifer’s son had shared a plan about covering up the incident. Her claims have led the sheriff’s office to reopen the long-closed case.

However, Juan and Jennifer find Anita’s allegations puzzling, particularly since Anita, known for her love of firearms and connection to “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” has openly discussed her own thoughts on suicide for years.

“I’m not sure why she brought this up. I doubt the CBI will investigate further,” Juan, 61, expressed. “We don’t have any new information about how Hunter actually died.”

“This is really shocking for us,” Jennifer remarked, noting the turmoil it has caused within the family. “It’s certainly traumatic to revisit all of this.”

Hunter was notorious for his excessive drinking and drug use, which ultimately took a toll on his health. He ended his life at 67 from gunshot wounds.

On that fateful day, he was speaking to Anita when the incident occurred, and it was Juan who found his father with a suicide note that read, “Football season is over.” The note included thoughts like, “No more games. Boring. I’m always mean. Fun is for no one… Relax. This won’t hurt.”

Afterward, Juan fired shots into the air with one of his father’s guns as a tribute, but initial investigations found no indications of foul play.

An autopsy the next day supported the idea of a self-inflicted wound, and the Sheriff’s Office deemed it a closed case.

At the scene, investigators were more or less operating under the prevailing assumption that it was a suicide. “I never thought this was murder. That thought didn’t cross my mind,” said Joe DiSalvo, the Pitkin County deputy sheriff who was among the first responders and a friend of Thompson.

“Here we are, he’s dead at his typewriter,” added DiSalvo, recalling Hunter’s previous discussions about suicide.

It’s still unclear whether Anita is suggesting a murder took place or indicating some form of assisted suicide. Furthermore, her actions since Hunter’s passing have drawn scrutiny, with some accusing her of attempting to profit from his legacy.

Notably, there have been mentions of her listing their Aspen home, Owl Farm, on Airbnb and launching her own cannabis strain named “Gonzo.”

Nonetheless, some believe it would be prudent to consider Anita’s claims seriously.

“Whether assisted suicide occurred is certainly a valid question,” said Mick Ireland, a former mayor of Aspen and lawyer. “I don’t have a definitive stance on it.”

In contrast, Juan and Jennifer are convinced that Anita knows the truth about Hunter’s suicide.

“I hope this provides her some closure,” Jennifer remarked.