Word just in from Aspen, CO: author, journalist and ESPN.com columnist Hunter S. Thompson, known for such works as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," and the inspiration for the "Doonesbury" character Uncle Duke, shot himself to death tonight, according to his son.

Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis, who is a close personal friend of Thompson, confirmed the death. His son, Juan, found him Sunday evening.

"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 released to the Aspen Daily News.

Thompson's first person narrative style, laced with action verbs and exploiting any story he wrote about to absurd levels became known as "Gonzo journalism."

He was also the originator of the phrase, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."

Thompson's final Hey Rube piece for ESPN.com, "Shotgun Golf with Bill Murray" is dated February 15.

Thompson's final column ended on a strangely appropriate note.

So long and Mahalo.

Hunter.

Farewell, Uncle Duke.

Hunter S. Thompson was 67.

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