Artists & Writers · 21st Century

Hunter S. Thompson’s Last Words

July 18, 1937 February 20, 2005 Age 67 American
No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted.
— Hunter S. Thompson, February 20, 2005

Who Was Hunter S. Thompson?

Hunter S. Thompson invented Gonzo journalism and wrote Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. His drug-fueled, intensely personal reporting style made him a counterculture icon.

The Final Moments

Thompson's suicide note, titled 'Football Season Is Over,' was found at his Owl Farm compound in Colorado. He shot himself while on the phone with his wife, who thought the sound was a book dropping.

Are These Words Verified?

✓ High Confidence

The suicide note is authentic and was published by family members. His wife was on the phone when he shot himself, and his son released the complete note publicly shortly after Thompson's death.

Sources

  • firsthand Juan Thompson (son) published the full suicide note
  • firsthand Anita Thompson (wife) witness account
  • newspaper Rolling Stone magazine publication of note

Legacy

Gonzo journalism — subjective, drug-influenced reporting — became a recognized literary form. His Fear and Loathing remains a counterculture classic.

Gonzo journalismFear and Loathingcounterculturesuicide note

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Hunter S. Thompson’s last words?

“No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted.”

How did Hunter S. Thompson die?

Hunter S. Thompson died on February 20, 2005 at the age of 67. Cause of death: Self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Were Hunter S. Thompson’s last words documented?

The suicide note is authentic and was published by family members. His wife was on the phone when he shot himself, and his son released the complete note publicly shortly after Thompson's death.