"On Feb. 20, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson took his life with a gunshot to the head at his fortified compound in Woody Creek, Colorado. The family will shortly provide more information about memorial service and media contacts. Hunter prized his privacy and we ask that his friends and admirers respect that privacy as well as that of his family," Juan Thompson said in a statement issued to Aspen Daily News. The death was confirmed by Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis. Hunter S. Thompson was best known for his 1972 book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". He was recently married and had emotionally supported his friend John Kerry's candidacy.