Ralph “Papa” Thorson was a famous American bounty hunter who captured over 5,000 fugitives in his career. He was the subject of a best-selling biography by Christopher Keane and a movie starring Steve McQueen, both titled The Hunter. But how did he die? And who was behind his death? Here is what we know about the ralph thorson cause of death.
A Life of Adventure and Danger
Ralph Thorson was born on July 11, 1926, in Anaconda, Montana. He served in the US Navy during World War II and later studied criminology at the University of California, Berkeley. He became a bounty hunter in the late 1940s, working for various bail bondsmen in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He was known for his unconventional methods, such as using astrology, disguises, and gadgets to track down his targets. He also had a compassionate side, often helping his captures to reform their lives and find jobs.
Thorson had many close calls and brushes with death in his line of work. He was shot, stabbed, beaten, and chased by angry mobs. He once survived a plane crash in Mexico while pursuing a drug lord. He also faced some notorious criminals, such as Squeaky Fromme, a member of the Manson Family who attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford.
Thorson lived in a two-bedroom house in North Hollywood, where he hosted many people who needed a place to stay. He had a girlfriend named Dotty Barras and a daughter named Brandi. He was also a church bishop, a master bridge champion, a renowned astrologer, a child nutritionist, and an aficionado of classical music.
A Mysterious Car Bomb
On November 17, 1991, Thorson was killed by a car bomb outside his home. The bomb was planted under the driver’s seat of his Chevrolet Caprice and detonated when he turned on the ignition. The blast was so powerful that it blew off the roof of the car and shattered the windows of nearby houses. Thorson died instantly from massive injuries.
The police had no suspects or motives for the murder. They speculated that it could have been related to one of Thorson’s cases or personal enemies. However, they had no evidence or leads to pursue.
According to Keane’s second book, The Huntress, which was published in 1996 and focused on Thorson’s wife and daughter who became bounty hunters themselves after his death, the killer was Q.D. Reese, a former capture of Thorson who had escaped from prison and vowed revenge. Reese allegedly planted the bomb with the help of his mistress, Myrna, who was a wealthy friend of the Thorsons. Reese also tried to kill Dotty and Brandi several times, but they managed to evade him and eventually shot him in a confrontation. Reese was sentenced to life imprisonment for Thorson’s murder and other crimes.
However, this version of events has been questioned by some sources, such as Reddit users and New York Magazine , who suggest that Keane may have embellished or fabricated some details to make the story more dramatic and marketable. They point out that there is no official confirmation or evidence that Reese was involved in Thorson’s death or that he even existed. They also note that Keane is a screenwriter who has written several books on screenplay writing.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Regardless of the ralph thorson cause of death mystery, Thorson’s life and career have inspired many people who admire his courage, skill, and humanity. His biography and movie have been widely read and watched by fans of action and adventure stories. His wife and daughter have continued his legacy by becoming successful bounty hunters themselves and starring in their own TV show called The Huntress in 2000.
Thorson is also remembered as a pioneer and a legend in the field of bounty hunting. He set high standards for professionalism and ethics in his work. He also helped to shape the laws and regulations that govern the industry today.
Ralph “Papa” Thorson was a remarkable man who lived an extraordinary life. He died a tragic death that remains unsolved to this day. But he left behind a lasting impact on the world of bounty hunting and beyond.
