Gonzo farewell

last updated 8 January 2015

Woody Creek, Colo.

The ashes of the late Hunter S. Thompson, the father of “gonzo” journalism, were blasted into the night sky in Colorado this week, packed in shells of red, white, and blue fireworks. The writer, who committed suicide in February, always said he wanted his ashes fired out of a cannon. The $2 million send-off was underwritten by actor Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in the movie version of his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The 350 invited guests included a mix of writers, actors, and politicians. “I’m not sure where he’s going,” said former senator George McGovern. “But I salute you.”