FBI Probes Death of Colts Owner Jim Irsay Over Drugs

The FBI has opened an investigation into the death of Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Irsay died in May 2025 at age 65 in a Beverly Hills hotel room. Agents are examining his use of prescription drugs and ketamine, along with his ties to a recovery doctor who treated him.

Background

Jim Irsay took over the Colts in 1997 after his father died. He became the youngest owner in the NFL at 37. The team moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis years earlier, in 1984. Under Irsay, the Colts won 258 games, 10 division titles, and made the playoffs 18 times. They went 1-1 in Super Bowls.

Irsay spoke openly about his battles with addiction over the years. He said he went to rehab at least 15 times. In 2014, police arrested him for driving while intoxicated. Officers found pills and thousands of dollars in cash in his car. He pleaded guilty, paid a $500,000 fine, and got a six-game suspension from the NFL.

In late 2023, police went to Irsay's home in Indianapolis around 4:30 a.m. They found him unresponsive and cold in bed. It looked like a possible overdose, but Irsay later said it was not. He told a local news station it was unfair for people to call it that because of his past.

The Colts said in January 2024 that Irsay had a severe respiratory illness. By February, he posted online that he was getting better.

Irsay spent a lot of time in California in his later years. He had ongoing health problems, including heart issues. His three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—took over ownership of the team after he died.

Key Details

Irsay died at the Beverly Hills Hotel. His death certificate said cardiac arrest from pneumonia and heart conditions caused it. Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California addiction specialist, signed the paper. Haroutunian was staying at the hotel and handling Irsay's care at the time. No autopsy was done.

The Washington Post first reported the FBI probe. A federal grand jury subpoena went out earlier this month in Los Angeles. It asked for records on Irsay's death, his substance use, and his relationship with Haroutunian. The doctor prescribed him pain pills and ketamine in the months before he died. Reports say over 200 opioid pills came from Haroutunian before one overdose incident.

FBI agents went to Indianapolis earlier this month. They talked to several people close to Irsay in his final years.

The Colts put out a statement hours after the news broke. They said they know about the investigation but have not heard from the FBI. No subpoenas have come to the team or its current employees.

"I do understand that there have been some subpoenas issued, but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees," Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson said.

Doctor's Role

Haroutunian called himself a "luxury recovery doctor." He treated Irsay like a brother in his last 18 months. The doctor said they did everything to keep Irsay comfortable.

When police arrived at the hotel after Irsay died, they saw him in a setup like a hospital bed. Haroutunian told them Irsay had chronic health issues. Beverly Hills police saw no signs of an overdose.

Irsay had overdoses at his Indianapolis home and a rental in Miami. Ketamine treatments came later, during a relapse.

The FBI has not commented on the probe.

What This Means

This investigation could lead to federal charges. A grand jury subpoena means agents are building a case. They might look at how Haroutunian prescribed the drugs and if rules were broken.

For the Colts, day-to-day operations go on. The daughters run the team now. They have not said much beyond the statement. The franchise stays stable, with no sign the probe affects games or staff.

Irsay's death already raised questions last year. Reports looked at his care and addictions. Now federal eyes are on it, which adds weight. People close to him got interviewed, so more details may come out.

The NFL has rules on owners and drugs. Irsay faced penalties before. This probe does not tie to current league matters, but it keeps his story in the news.

Fans remember Irsay for building a strong team. He won over Indianapolis after the move from Baltimore. His personal struggles were public, but his love for the Colts was clear. The investigation digs into his final days, which could change some views on how he passed.

No timeline exists for the probe. Agents keep working, and the Colts wait. Ownership stays with the family, focused on the team ahead.