The Bluegrass Conspiracy is a book by Sally Denton which examines the life and death of Kentuckian narcotics officer turned drug smuggler, Andrew C. Thornton II. The story of Thornton's untimely death is almost too unfathomable to believe, but it's 100% true. It is also the basis for the newest Elizabeth Banks' film, Cocaine Bear.
Move over Dos Equis guy, because Andrew Thornton II might be the most interesting man in the world. He joined the Army as a paratrooper, and in 1965 he would receive the Purple Heart for his involvement in the U.S. invasion of the Dominican Republic. After leaving the army Thornton joined the narcotics squad of the Lexington Police Department.
In 1977, Thornton decided to leave the police force to practice law. Although it was clear at this point that his true calling was smuggling drugs. Unfortunately his wild days of transporting marijuana and cocaine like a rogue cowboy would soon come to a decisive end.
The date was September 11th, 1985 when Thornton and his partner jumped from their Cessna plane. Ironically the former paratrooper got tangled and caught in his parachute, and fell to his death. When police found the body, it is said that Thornton had a duffel bag on his person containing 75 pounds of cocaine worth about $15 million.
A few months later, the infamous 'Cocaine Bear' was found dead in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The black bear had apparently overdosed on a large amount of cocaine, which had seemingly been dumped from Thornton's plane.
One thing is certain, this man left behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten. Cocaine Bear hits theaters this week.
Comments