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Author Thompson found dead at home

Monday 21 February 2005
The American author and journalist, Hunter S Thompson, has been found dead at his home in Colorado.
1 of 1 Thompson - Shot himself
Thompson - Shot himself

He had shot himself and his body was found by his son. He was 67.

In a statement released to the Aspen Daily News, Juan S Thompson said: "On 20 February, Dr Hunter S Thompson took his life with a  gunshot to the head at his fortified compound in Woody Creek, Colorado."

Thompson pioneered a form of writing which became known as 'gonzo journalism' in which the writer is central to the story - a style best displayed in one of his best known works, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'.

He shot to fame in 1966 after the publication of his book 'Hell's Angels', the story of his relationship with the motorcycle gang.

His other works include 'Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72', a collection of articles he wrote for Rolling Stone magazine  while covering the election campaign of then-president Richard M Nixon, and 'The Rum Diary', now being made into a film.

Thompson was portrayed by Johnny Depp in the screen adaptation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

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