Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005) was an American journalist and author renowned for pioneering "Gonzo Journalism," a highly subjective and immersive style of reporting where the reporter becomes a central figure in the story. His work often combined real experiences with exaggerated and fantastical elements. Thompson gained prominence with Hell's Angels (1967), chronicling his time spent with the Hells Angels motorcycle club. His article "The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved" (1970) further solidified his image as a countercultural icon. Thompson's writing often reflected his contempt for authority and incorporated his personal experiences with alcohol, drugs, and firearms.
Thompson is best known for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971), a book that became a contemporary classic and cemented the "Gonzo Journalism" style. He also covered the 1972 presidential campaign in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72. Thompson ran unsuccessfully for sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, in 1970. After battling health issues, Thompson died by suicide on February 20, 2005, at age 67. In 2025, at the request of his widow, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation reviewed Thompson's death and reaffirmed the initial ruling of suicide.
