Lexington, Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Lexington reflects on the bizarre legacy of Andrew Thornton, a former police officer whose drug smuggling resulted in his death and the infamous Cocaine Bear legend. Thornton died in a parachuting mishap while transporting cocaine, leading to an unintended twist involving a bear that ingested the dropped drugs. The story continues to captivate the public’s imagination, especially as Lexington approaches its 250th anniversary in 2025, with local businesses benefiting from Cocaine Bear-themed merchandise.
Lexington, Kentucky is reflecting on the bizarre legacy of former police officer Andrew Thornton, a man whose drug smuggling antics and untimely demise have given rise to the notorious legend of the Cocaine Bear. Thornton, who once served on a narcotics unit, met his end on September 11, 1985, in an unusual incident that has since captured public fascination and prompted countless urban myths.
Thornton was found dead in a Knoxville, Tennessee driveway, a victim of a parachuting mishap while attempting to transport 400 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia. In addition to the cocaine, he was discovered with various weapons, night vision goggles, and a sum of cash totaling $4,800. His ill-fated jump stemmed from his belief that he was being pursued by law enforcement, leading him to jettison the drugs over the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Born into the horse racing world and raised in Lexington, Thornton’s early career took a dark turn when he reconnected with childhood friend Bradley Bryant, who introduced him to the world of drug trafficking. Together, they created a personal bodyguard service called Executive Protection as a façade for their illicit operations starting in 1975. Over the years, they expanded their criminal activities to include not only drug trafficking but also illegal arms sales.
Despite their efforts to maintain a low profile, their operation came under increased scrutiny after a failed attempt to smuggle 20,000 pounds of marijuana led to police investigations. As a result of this pressure, Thornton’s final operation spiraled into disaster when he attempted to jump out of a plane laden with duffel bags of cocaine. The plane later crashed in North Carolina, while his life and the story of the cocaine’s destination took an unexpected twist.
A 175-pound black bear was subsequently discovered in Georgia, having consumed a large quantity of the cocaine Thornton had dropped. Though the actual remains of the bear had deteriorated too badly for a proper taxidermy display, the story grew into a legend known as the Cocaine Bear. This unusual chain of events has since inspired various retellings and adaptations, including a recent Hollywood film.
The Cocaine Bear story has sparked interest and curiosity throughout Lexington, especially as the city approaches its 250th anniversary in 2025. Local merchandise related to Cocaine Bear has emerged as a profitable venture for businesses such as Kentucky for Kentucky, which claims to possess the bear’s remains. However, many elements of the Cocaine Bear legend have been embellished over the years, with false claims made regarding its connections to country music icon Waylon Jennings and its supposed capabilities.
The tale of Andrew Thornton and the Cocaine Bear remains a peculiar segment of Lexington’s history. News of Thornton’s demise and its connection to the bear was initially covered by The New York Times shortly after it occurred, but the bizarre nature of the events surrounding his death continues to resonate, capturing the imagination of both locals and those beyond Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Andrew Thornton?
Andrew Thornton died on September 11, 1985, during a parachuting attempt to smuggle cocaine when his parachute failed to deploy properly.
What is the story behind Cocaine Bear?
The Cocaine Bear is a black bear found in Georgia that ingested cocaine dropped from Thornton’s plane after he died. The story has since become a legend embellished with various myths and has inspired a Hollywood film.
How has Lexington commemorated this unusual story?
As Lexington prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2025, the Cocaine Bear story has become a part of local culture, with businesses profiting from related merchandise and discussions about the event occurring in historical contexts.
Key Features of the Cocaine Bear Story
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Figure | Andrew Thornton |
| Date of Incident | September 11, 1985 |
| Location of Death | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Substance Involved | Cocaine |
| Animal Involved | Black Bear |
| Bear’s Location Found | Georgia |
| Notable Products | Cocaine Bear merchandise from local shops |
| Film Adaptation | Inspired a Hollywood film |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Cocaine Bear
- Atlas Obscura: Cocaine Bear in Lexington, Kentucky
- Mental Floss: Cocaine Bear Taxidermy
- WKYT: True Kentucky Story Behind Cocaine Bear
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
