An FBI investigation into the death of Colts owner Jim Irsay has begun. The investigation includes the doctor who provided Irsay with prescription pain pills and ketamine in the final months of his life, the Washington Post’s Will Hobson, Albert Samaha and Sam Fortier report.
A federal grand jury subpoena is seeking information on Irsay’s death, substance abuse and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, according to the Post. The subpoena came down earlier this month from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Federal agents visited Indianapolis to interview some figures close to Irsay during his final years, but the Colts have not been contacted by FBI officials, according to ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder.
Irsay died at age 65 last May in Los Angeles. The death certificate indicated Irsay suffered cardiac arrest caused by pneumonia and heart issues. Overseeing Irsay’s treatment, Haroutunian signed the death certificate. No autopsy was performed, and no investigation from the Beverly Hills Police Department commenced.
An August report, however, indicated Irsay — who had battled an addiction to pain medication — relapsed. Irsay had said he’d overcome his addiction, but the Post reports the final months of his life involved him receiving opioid pills and ketamine injections from Haroutuian in amounts that “alarmed several people” close to Irsay.
The previous Post report revealed Haroutunian prescribed Irsay over 200 opioid pills in December 2023, and the report indicated the longtime Colts owner overdosed twice in in a 12-day span that month. Ketamine injections later became part of Haroutunian’s treatment.
“I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother, Haroutunian told the Post in August. “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”
Ketamine use has been a controversial topic in recent years. The death of actor Matthew Perry led to five people involved in providing him with the drug, two doctors among them, facing criminal charges. Irsay was arrested on two misdemeanor drug charges after a traffic stop in March 2014. A toxicology report revealed the Indianapolis owner had oxycodone and hydrocodone in his system at the time of the OWI arrest. The NFL suspended Irsay for six games during the 2014 season and fined him $500K. Drug tests became part of Irsay’s legal situation in the wake of the arrest.
Irsay’s second December 2023 overdose left him hospitalized for a period of several months, the Post reports. The Colts had said a severe respiratory illness caused Irsay’s hospitalization. Irsay later offered a different explanation by saying he had back surgery. Haroutunian served as the owner’s physician throughout this period. Irsay’s daughters are now in charge of the Colts, with his oldest child — Carlie Irsay-Gordon — in place as the team’s principal owner.
It was pretty obvious all along that he overdosed.I knew the family were lying when they said he didn’t overdose on pills.
GM/head scout/doctor/detective/physic. Is there anything you can’t do?
This should have happened last year. Irsay loved his drugs and had this guy at his beck and call.
Just no concern for his own health and well being. The daughters had to have an inkling and probably felt powerless. Too bad the oldest couldnt learn and take more notes on her father than team operations. Maybe she did and I am being harsh. He probably didnt listen to anyones complaints or concerns.
Go hug someone man, sheesh.
What are you talking about? This had been a problem for Irsay for ten years or more. The NFL slapped his wrist about it, instead of demanding he get the help he needed. I have dealt with different people with drug and alcohol addiction. Have you?
Goodell works for the owners so there’s no chance he is going to make any demands on them. Did he insist Robert Kraft stop paying for hookers?
It’s amazing how many pill pushing doctors exist.
Money is a stronger drug than any opioid.
Sorry he OD and died but why run #18 out of town.
Peyton had 4 great years in Denver and won SB there.
Really? Move on.
The FBI is investigating whether the Dr was a criminally negligent enabler, or if there’s more beneath the surface. All of the Dr’s communications will be part of the investigation, including those with the sisters…
I did not follow this very close. Just not that interested in owners unless there is room to laugh at them. When I first saw he got 200 pills in a month I was like wow that is a lot. Then after doing some division I realized it was just over 6 a day.
I have been disabled for over 10 years. Bad back. I am now recovering from my 5th back surgery from a week ago. I have been on 5 pills a day for most of the 10 years. 200 might seem like a lot but it isn’t really. The mix of oxy and hydrocodone are a bit suspicious. I am taking 1 oxy at night because they last a bit longer so I can sleep better.
The family might be concerned but many Drs would not say his dosage was over the top. The overdoses would be a concern though. It seems the guy had trouble dosing them out to himself. If he was under care that person should have given the drug out daily if possible. The dose is not over the top the lack of oversight seems bad though.
Will the FBI also be investigating Big Pharma who releases addictive pain killers into society?
Big Pharma pays too much to politicians for that to happen.
Beach-Obviously you have never had a serious injury or disability. So many people try to get rid of all the pain, but it doesn’t work that way. The trick is dulling the pain enough that you can live with it. I will never condemn someone for taking pain meds because I have no idea what level of pain they are experiencing. You should probably keep your opinion on things you know nothing about to yourself. Don’t be a Richard.
This is incorrect. I was hit by a drunk driver in 2024 and fractured 4 vertebrae. I permanently have 2 metal rods installed to support my spine. I have pain every day.
I don’t condemn people for using pain killers.
I do find it irresponsible that Big Pharma would release such addictive pain killers, not the people who use them.
Maybe you shouldn’t run your mouth assuming things about people you don’t know.
Maybe if the government would legalize THC they could cutdown and maybe get rid of opioids altogether. I read an article that the US Government holds most of patents for THC. They could legalize THC and let companies make medical grade products. They could hold the patents to make sure the cost is low. THC is a much better alternative to opioids.
I agree with this. However, my concern would be that they would put additives in their blend/strains to make it addictive as well.
As a fellow disabled person. Bedridden for two years and wheelchair bound for 8 more I really understand the need for pain meds. I have spinal problems and a traumatic brain injury. I have found a balance using opioids, supplemented by CBD and occasionally Kratom when things get unbearable. I am sorry that I assumed you were not a fellow sufferer. I agree that the pain meds can be addictive but there are few alternatives available. THC is not an alternative for me because I don’t like the feeling of being high. So we are either stuck with opioids or pain. I’m of the opinion that people are chasing a pain free existence that they will never achieve and that’s why they take more and more often. You can’t blame the product for an addiction. People smoke even though they know they’re risking cancer and/or heart disease, diabetics eat a dozen doughnuts, alcoholics think they can just have one beer. I don’t believe it’s the products fault I believe people need to look in the mirror if they want to see what the problem is
I can feel for you because you may have felt like I was coming after the user.
I took Percocet for a few months and it really messed with my mind. I couldn’t remember if I took it some days.
I moved to THC, and it was a huge relief for me. Everyone has different experiences with what works for them.
Stay strong my friend!
Jimmy Hoffa is under Lucas Oil Stadium