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Photo of Hunter S. Thompson at Air Force Services from

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter Stockton Thompson was a beyond belief legend of the 20th century. He lived for 67 years from July 18, 1937, to February 20, 2005.

His life was full of unimaginable risks and adventurer’s activities.

Hunter’s achievements as an American journalist of his time were stirred by his unique ability to dare to be different.

Which inspired the start of a new writing style associated with the Gonzo journalism movement founded by Thompson.

Get to know the bizarre truths of  Thompson in this:

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Hunter S. Thompson

1. Hunter S. Thompson spent a year as a Hell’s Angels bike gang rider

Photo of Hunter S. Thompson, 1967 Hells Angels book jacket cover by Random House-

Hunter’s commitment to journalism was an unimaginable certainty.

He spent a year as a motorcycle rider, with the Hells Angels bikers’ gang, focussing on gaining first-hand information of the group members’ experiences in life.

In 1967, Hunter S. Thompson published his experience with the riders’ gang in a book, Hell’s Angels, which rose him to fame as a journalist.

2. Hunter S. Thompson practiced his writing skills by retyping novels

Thompson perfected his art of writing by typing out works of some of the best writers he looked up to.

Such as Fitzgerald, Faulkner and Hemingway who during his time led the writing space

Hunter held the view that typing out somebody’s work, was a great way to learn.

Thus, he chose famous works to retype to learn from the best writers. 

3. Hunter S. Thompson secured an exclusive interview that other journalists gave up on

Photo of Keith Richards on stage by Raph_PH-

Hunter utilized his far-fetched tactics to have Keith Richards grant him a hearing.

Richards had declined to speak to ABC, demanding more pay for an interview in 1933.

Keith locked himself up, leaving reporters outside the door.

ABC trusted Hunter Thompson to fix the problem.

So, Thompson used a megaphone to play the sounds of a pig going through slaughter.

Hunter’s incredible way of problem-solving caught Keith Richards’ attention.

Keith opened the door and Thompson was hands-on with beginning an interview.

4. The Gonzo founder, Hunter S. Thompson was a daredevil

Thompson’s astonishing remarks to former U.S. Presidents; Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton are evidence that he was fearless to express his displeasure with the two during their leadership regimes.

In 1994, following Richards’s demise, Hunter suggested that Nixon’s body should be let into an open sewage canal emptying up into the ocean.

Hunter compared Clinton with Nixon, alleging he was not as bad as Richard was in being a corrupt leader.

5. Thompson was forced to Swim for dear life at Miami

Hunter, in 1972, had finished the coverage of Rolling Stone’s Democratic Convention that took place in Miami and decided to swim on the beach.

Unfortunately, his fun was cut short by a storm that hit the coast the same evening.

Leaving him struggling to survive by swimming to the mainland, which he managed to, the next morning.

6. Hunter S. Thompson was a self-appointed drug advocate and lover of guns

Hunter was given to alcohol and illegal drug usage all his life.

He wished that drugs were legalized, arguing that prohibition only resulted in making criminals richer.

At one time, he said that alcohol and drugs worked for him, although he would not advocate it to anyone.

His membership to the National Rifle Association coupled with his many collections of guns prove firearms thrilled him 

7. Hunter S. Thompson lost Colorado sheriff post in 1970

A poster of Thompson for Sheriff campaign, a fist clutching a peyote button by Thomas W. Benton-

Thompson eyed Pitkin County, Colorado sheriff position.

He lost even after employing unthinkable political strategies

Like shaving his hair so that he would criticize his opponent based on his hair, referring to him as the one with long hair.

8. Thompson neglected assigned duty to hunt for pygmy tribes in Africa

Hunter was expected to cover a fight in Zaire, present-day Congo, in 1974.

The famous fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

He was issued free tickets and all expenses were catered for to be present in the event.

However, Thompson decided to go in search of pygmies while on safari.

On his safari, he purchased an ivory tusk from locals.

The ivory caused friction with the airport customs on his return journey to the U.S. as they demanded he pays custom duty for the tusk.

9. Hunter S. Thompson committed suicide

A photo with part of suicide note text left by Hunter S. Thompson Credit: Michal Na’aman-

Thompson died on February 20, 2005, from a gunshot wound inflicted by himself.

His demise happened at Owl Farm, Woody Creek, Colorado.

He left a suicide note that doesn’t tell much except suggesting a relaxation to endure pain 

10. Hunter Thompson’s send-off was glamorous

The cost of the private ceremony was reported to be $5 million in estimation, which was paid by Johnny Depp(a close pal)

After the cremation of the 67-year-old Thompson, his ashes were fired from a 150ft, approximately 47 m high canon.

At the top was a red fist having two thumbs, clasping a peyote button. 

This was a symbol of Hunter’s Gonzo journalism movement.

Thompson’s final call was to his wife, requesting her to return home and help him with his ESPN writing.

He fired the shot while she hung up, and she assumed that it was the sound of his typewriter that produced the sound.

Hunter’s son Juan and his family (wife Jennifer and son Will) had visited for the weekend.

Thus, Jennifer and Will, who were in the next room, misinterpreted the gunshot sound for a book that fell.

So, no one found out immediately what had transpired.

Juan would later check on his father to find him dead.

According to police reports, Juan called the office of the sheriff about half an hour after the incident occurred.

In honor of his father, Juan immediately upon discovery of his father’s death went outside and fired three blasts of gunshots.

This was to mark the end of his father’s journey of life in style.

The suicide note he left read in part, Relax, it Won’t Hurt.

A piece of paper with the word counselor written on it was found on his typewriter according to police reports with the date February,22/05 on it as well.

Hunter S. Thompson’s bizarre view of life and depression state is a factor that contributed to his suicide, accomplished mission.

Yet, his weird realities also inspired him to meet the successes he enjoyed as an American journalist up to the time of his death.

His close friend Johnny Depp was with him till the end. 

Others that were present; were Bill Murray, Sean Penn, Lyle Lovett, Jack Nicholson and Josh Hartnett.