At a Glance
- FBI has opened an investigation into the death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
- The Washington Post revealed a history of pain-killer addiction and three overdoses in the five years before his death.
- The Colts, NFL, and law-enforcement officials have issued limited statements about the case.
- Why it matters: The investigation raises questions about the handling of a high-profile death and the role of addiction treatment in professional sports.
The FBI has opened an investigation into the death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay after a series of reports about his addiction and the circumstances surrounding his passing. The Colts, the NFL, and federal officials have all responded with cautious statements, but the investigation has already revealed new details about the former owner’s health and treatment.
FBI Investigation
On Friday, Colts officials confirmed that the FBI had begun an inquiry into Irsay’s death. The team’s statement said they were aware of the investigation but had not been contacted by the FBI or served any subpoenas. “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.
The investigation is linked to a federal grand jury subpoena reviewed by The Washington Post. The subpoena, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California earlier this month, requests records related to Irsay’s death, his illegal and prescription substance use, and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, an addiction specialist based in California.
Team and League Statements
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league would not comment on the report. The Colts’ response was similarly restrained, acknowledging the FBI’s inquiry without providing details. No further statements have been released by league officials.
Washington Post Revelations
In late August, The Washington Post reported that Irsay had battled a longtime addiction to painkillers and had overdosed three times in the five years preceding his death. The Post also detailed that Irsay was prescribed ketamine-a drug most commonly used as a general anesthetic-in his final months. Police were called to the hotel room in Beverly Hills, California, where Irsay died.
The Post’s earlier report noted that Dr. Haroutunian was staying at the hotel and overseeing Irsay’s treatment, and that he signed the death certificate. The Post also stated that Irsay’s official cause of death was listed as “cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart issues,” but no autopsy was performed.
Subpoena and Dr. Haroutunian
The subpoena indicates the FBI is seeking records about Irsay’s substance use and his relationship with Dr. Haroutunian. Robert K. Lawson left a message Friday seeking comment from Haroutunian, who the Post reported had prescribed pain pills and ketamine to Irsay in the months before his May 2025 death.
Dr. Haroutunian’s involvement is significant because he was both a prescriber of medication and a signatory on the death certificate. The subpoena’s focus on the doctor’s role highlights potential questions about the oversight of Irsay’s treatment.
Cause of Death and Police Investigation
The Post wrote that Irsay’s cause of death was “cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart issues.” No autopsy was performed, and Beverly Hills police closed their investigation days later. The lack of an autopsy has been noted as a point of interest in the FBI’s inquiry.
Family Statements
When the first Post story was published in August, Irsay’s three daughters-Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson-issued a statement. They said their father “never claimed to be perfect” and acknowledged he used his voice “to reduce the stigma” of addiction and mental health issues to advocate for those who fought similar battles.
The daughters, who now run the Colts, emphasized their father’s public advocacy for addiction and mental health awareness. Their statement came at a time when the investigation was still unfolding.
Key Takeaways
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Investigation | FBI has opened inquiry into Irsay’s death. |
| Addiction history | Irsay had overdosed three times in the five years before death. |
| Treatment | Dr. Harry Haroutunian prescribed pain pills and ketamine; signed death certificate. |
| Cause of death | Cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart issues; no autopsy. |
| Family response | Daughters acknowledged addiction advocacy; no new statements from league. |
The investigation remains ongoing. The Colts, NFL, and federal officials have yet to provide additional details, but the subpoena and the Washington Post’s reporting have shed new light on the circumstances surrounding the former Colts owner’s death.
Further Context
- The Colts’ statement on Friday was the first public acknowledgment of the FBI’s involvement.
- The Washington Post’s August report linked Irsay’s addiction to the prescription of ketamine, a drug rarely used outside of anesthesia.
- The FBI’s subpoena focuses on records that could clarify the relationship between Irsay and Dr. Haroutunian.
- The lack of an autopsy and the closure of the local police investigation have prompted questions about the completeness of the death investigation.
The case highlights the intersection of high-profile deaths, addiction treatment, and federal investigative procedures. As the FBI continues its inquiry, additional information may emerge that could clarify the events leading to Irsay’s death.
Conclusion
The FBI’s investigation into former Colts owner Jim Irsay‘s death has uncovered a complex web of addiction, medical treatment, and unanswered questions. With key details revealed by The Washington Post and the pending subpoena, the case remains a focal point for both the NFL community and federal law-enforcement agencies.
