Introduction
The FBI is investigating the death of Jim Irsay, the former owner of the Indianapolis Colts, and is probing California-based addiction doctor Harry Haroutunian for alleged prescription of pain pills and ketamine.
At a Glance
- Jim Irsay died May 21, 2025, at a Beverly Hills hotel.
- FBI subpoenas target Haroutunian’s records and Irsay’s substance-abuse history.
- Irsay’s family and Colts organization have been notified but not formally contacted.
- Why it matters: The investigation could uncover abuse of medical prescriptions involving a high-profile NFL owner.
Investigation Details
The Washington Post reported that a federal grand jury subpoena was issued from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in early January 2026. The subpoena seeks records related to Irsay’s history of substance abuse and his ties to Haroutunian.
Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson told the Post on Thursday, Jan. 22, that the Colts’ organization knew about the FBI probe but federal authorities had not reached out to them. Emerson added:
“I do understand that there have been some subpoenas provided – but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees,” he said, per the outlet.
Emerson was unable to be reached for comment.
News Of Los Angeles reached out to the FBI Los Angeles field office, and a spokesperson would not confirm or deny an investigation.
Haroutunian was also unable to be reached for comment.
Background on Jim Irsay
According to the New York Times, Irsay died in a hotel room in Beverly Hills, Calif., on May 21, 2025. He was 65 years old.
A statement from the Colts at the time said Irsay “passed away peacefully” in his sleep. It was later determined that Irsay, who long struggled with opioid addiction, died from heart issues and complications due to pneumonia, according to his death certificate.
The Post reported that Haroutunian was treating Irsay at the hotel at the time of his death.
In an August exposé, the outlet revealed that some people in Irsay’s circle had grown concerned about his apparent relapse into addiction throughout the final years of his life. According to that report, he overdosed three times in the final five years of his life-once in February 2020 and twice in December 2023. He also started receiving ketamine injections from Haroutunian in the last few months before he died.
The report states that Haroutunian signed off on Irsay’s death certificate and informed police that Irsay’s death was from natural causes, News Of Los Angeles previously reported.
“I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother,” Haroutunian told the Post last summer. “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”
Family Statements
In a statement shared with News Of Los Angeles in August, Irsay’s daughters-Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson-said they “continue to grieve the loss of our Dad, a man defined not only by his role as owner of the Colts, but also by his resilience, his personal struggles, and his deep love for family, friends, and community.”
Regarding the Post report, the sisters said, “We understand the public interest in his life and legacy. While we respect the role of responsible journalism, we decline to comment on the allegations in your inquiry. The media is not the place to address inquiries about information which is disputed, lacks essential context, or involves private medical matters. We ask for continued privacy as we move through this difficult time.”
Legal and Corporate Context
Irsay inherited the Colts franchise in 1997 following the death of his father Robert, who bought the NFL team in 1972 and moved it to Indianapolis in 1984.
In 2002, The Indianapolis Star published a story about Irsay and his connection to a local plastic surgeon who was accused of overprescribing opioids to patients, including the late owner, the Post reported.
The Colts organization has not publicly commented on the FBI investigation beyond noting that they are aware of the subpoenas.
Addiction and Charity Work
Irsay started an organization called Kicking the Stigma in 2020 with an aim to promote more openness surrounding those struggling with addiction. He raised more than $25 million for the initiative.
The case underscores the broader issue of prescription drug misuse among high-profile individuals and the potential for medical professionals to contribute to overdose risks.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI’s investigation centers on prescription practices linked to Irsay’s death.
- Subpoenas target both the doctor’s records and Irsay’s substance-abuse history.
- Family and Colts officials have been notified but remain silent.
- Irsay’s legacy includes both a successful NFL franchise and a charitable effort to reduce addiction stigma.
- The case may prompt scrutiny of prescription drug oversight in the medical community.
Conclusion
The investigation into Jim Irsay’s death is still unfolding. As the FBI seeks records and information, the spotlight remains on how prescription practices may have contributed to the demise of a prominent sports figure. The outcome could influence both legal accountability and public perception of medical prescription safety.
