Jim Irsay was a prominent figure in the NFL, owning the Indianapolis Colts for 28 years and leading the team to a Super Bowl title in 2007. He died on May 21 2025 in a Beverly Hills hotel room, a death that has since drawn federal scrutiny. The investigation focuses on his ties to addiction specialist Dr. Harry Haroutunian and his documented substance-use history.
At a Glance
- May 21 2025: Irsay passes away peacefully in his sleep.
- FBI probes his connection to Dr. Haroutunian and opioid prescriptions.
- Irsay’s death certificate cites cardiac arrest, pneumonia, and arrhythmia.
Who Was Jim Irsay?
Irsay was 65 when he died. He began with the Colts at age 12, became the youngest general manager in 1984, and assumed ownership after his father’s death in 1997. Under his leadership, the Colts won a division title each year in the 1990s, captured a Super Bowl in 2007, and grew into a franchise worth an estimated $4.8 billion.
Ownership Legacy
During his tenure, Irsay donated $25 million to the Kicking The Stigma charity and was noted for philanthropy across Indianapolis, Indiana, and nationally. He was also a father to three daughters with ex-wife Meg Coyle and a grandfather to ten. After his death, ownership passed to his daughters.
The Death and Initial Report
The Colts released a statement on the day of his death saying he had “passed away peacefully” in his sleep. No cause was provided at that time. A week later, the New York Times obtained a death certificate that listed cardiac arrest as the primary cause, with acute pneumonia, chronic atrial fibrillation, and cardiac arrhythmia as contributing factors.
Addiction History and Overdoses
Irsay’s struggle with opioid addiction began in his early career. In 2014 he was arrested for a DUI; he later claimed the arrest was due to prejudice against his wealth and race. In 2023, he was found unresponsive after an apparent overdose. The Washington Post reported that Irsay had overdosed three times in the five years before his death: once in February 2020 and twice in December 2023.
Connection to Dr. Harry Haroutunian
In the months leading up to his death, Irsay allegedly received ketamine injections from private addiction specialist Dr. Harry Haroutunian. Haroutunian reportedly continued prescribing opioids to Irsay for the last two years, despite the owner’s known addiction. The doctor also stayed at the same Beverly Hills hotel as Irsay.
Haroutunian told the Washington Post:
“I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother,” he said. “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”
He maintained that Irsay’s death was natural and signed off on the death certificate, even while declining an official autopsy and toxicology report.
Family Statements
Irsay’s daughters issued a statement to News Of Los Angeles saying 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.” They added that they “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.”
FBI Investigation
In early January 2026, a federal grand jury subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California prompted the FBI to investigate. The agency is reportedly searching for records related to Irsay’s substance-use history and his relationship with Dr. Haroutunian. The investigation also examines the medical decisions made by the addiction doctor.
Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson told the Washington Post:
“I do understand that there have been some subpoenas provided – but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees,” he said.
A spokesperson for the FBI Los Angeles field office declined to confirm or deny an investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Irsay’s death, initially reported as natural, now faces federal scrutiny.
- His documented opioid addiction and multiple overdoses raise questions about medical care.
- The FBI’s probe centers on his ties to Dr. Haroutunian and prescription practices.
- The Colts have not been contacted by federal authorities, according to their legal officer.
- Family statements emphasize grief and a refusal to comment on allegations.
The unfolding investigation highlights the intersection of high-profile ownership, personal health struggles, and federal oversight.
