Colorado investigators to review author Hunter S. Thompson’s death more than two decades after it was ruled a suicide

Hunter S. Thompson signs copies of his recently published memoir 'Kingdom of Fear—Loathsome Secrets of a Star Crossed Child' at Barnes and Noble in New York City in February 2003. (Dennis Van Tine/dpa/picture alliance/Photoshot/Sipa via CNN Newsource)

Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.

Denver — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation will be conducting a review into the case of renowned journalist and activist Hunter S. Thompson’s death more than two decades after it was ruled a suicide, the agency said Tuesday in a news release.

Thompson died at his home in Woody Creek, Colorado, outside of Aspen, on February 20, 2005, of “an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.” He was 67 years old.

The renewed investigation comes at the suggestion of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, which received a request from the gonzo journalist’s wife, Anita Thompson, according to the CBI.

“We understand the profound impact Hunter S. Thompson had on this community and beyond,” Pitkin County Sheriff Michael 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.”

CNN has reached out to The Gonzo Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Thompson’s wife “to promote literature, journalism and political activism” through Thompson’s legacy, for comment.

Thompson is perhaps best-known for his 1971 novel, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream,” a semi-autobiographical account of how the counterculture of the 1960s led to illicit drug and alcohol abuse.

Thompson, who inspired the term “gonzo journalism” with his character Doctor Gonzo in “Fear and Loathing,” forged a career out of making himself a character in his stories.

CBI says its investigation will take an “unspecified amount of time” and it will provide updates once it concludes.

By Andi Babineau, CNN

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, here are some resources that are available.

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)

Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)

Kids Help Phone [phone])

If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.