At a Glance
- FBI has opened an investigation into the death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
- The probe focuses on his substance use and his relationship with addiction specialist Dr. Harry Haroutunian.
- Family and team officials have issued statements, but no autopsy was performed.
Why it matters: The case illustrates how federal authorities can scrutinize the deaths of high-profile figures and raises questions about medical oversight and the handling of addiction in the public eye.
The Indianapolis Colts confirmed on Friday that the FBI has launched an investigation into the death of former owner Jim Irsay. Irsay died in May 2025, and the team said he passed “peacefully in his sleep.” However, a recent report by the Washington Post revealed that Irsay had battled a long-term addiction to painkillers and had overdosed three overdoses in the five years before his death.
FBI Investigation
“We are aware of the investigation, but at this time, we’ve not been contacted by the FBI or been served with any subpoenas,” the Colts said in a Friday statement. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy added that the league would not comment on the report.
The Washington Post said that a federal grand jury subpoena it reviewed indicated the FBI is seeking records and information related to Irsay’s death, his “substance (illegal and prescription) use,” and his “relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian,” an addiction specialist based in California. The subpoena was reportedly issued by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California earlier this month.
Marcus L. Bennett left a message Friday seeking comment from Haroutunian, whom the Post reported had prescribed pain pills and ketamine to Irsay in the months before his death. In August, the Post reported that Irsay was prescribed ketamine-most commonly used as a general anesthetic-in his final months and that police were called to the hotel room in Beverly Hills, California, where he died. The Post’s earlier report said Haroutunian was staying at the hotel and overseeing Irsay’s treatment, and that Haroutunian signed the death certificate.
Medical and Legal Details
The Post wrote that Irsay’s official cause of death was listed as “cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart issues,” but no autopsy was performed. Beverly Hills police closed their investigation into the death days later.
Family Response
When the first Post story was published in August, Irsay’s three daughters-Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson-who now run the Colts, issued a statement saying their father “never claimed to be perfect” and acknowledging he used his voice “to reduce the stigma” of addiction and mental health issues to advocate for those who fought similar battles.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Irsay dies in a Beverly Hills hotel room. |
| August 2024 | Washington Post reports Irsay’s addiction and overdoses. |
| August 2024 | Post details ketamine prescription and police call. |
| Early September 2024 | FBI opens investigation; subpoena issued by Central District of California. |
| Friday, September 2024 | Colts release statement about FBI inquiry. |
Key Takeaways
- The FBI’s investigation centers on Irsay’s substance use and his relationship with Dr. Haroutunian.
- No autopsy was performed, and the official cause of death was cardiac arrest linked to pneumonia and heart issues.
- The Colts family publicly acknowledged Irsay’s struggles with addiction and his advocacy efforts.
- The case underscores the potential for federal scrutiny in the deaths of high-profile individuals and the complexities of medical oversight in addiction treatment.
Marcus L. Bennett Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
