Federal investigators have launched an investigation into the treatment and death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, according to the Washington Post on Thursday.
Irsay passed away at 65 years old last May.
The FBI issued a federal grand jury subpoena earlier this month seeking records related to Irsay’s death, his alleged use of ketamine and prescription drugs and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist who treated him before his death, according to The Washington Post.
No official autopsy was performed on Irsay; however, Haroutunian had signed Irsay’s death certificate, claiming the owner passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by acute pneumonia.
“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 told the Washington Post on Thursday.
The Washington Post also published a detailed report in August 2025 claiming that Irsay had not only relapsed through his addiction, but overdosed multiple times over the last five years of his life.
Haroutunian has had connections to other high-profile celebrity’s recovery journeys in the past, including Steven Tyler, the lead singer of band Aerosmith. Tyler credited Haroutunian for helping him recapture his life of sobriety, and even wrote the foreword for Haroutunian’s book “Being Sober,” which was published in August 2013.
Irsay acquired full ownership rights of the Colts in 1997 shortly after the passing of his father, Robert Irsay. He became the youngest owner of an NFL franchise at just 37 years old. His teams went on to win 258 games, 10 division titles and one Super Bowl victory (XLI) in two appearances.
The franchise is now operated by his three daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson since last June.
–Field Level Media
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