Federal authorities have launched a sweeping investigation into the death of Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, focusing on his final months, his substance use, and the role of the doctor who treated him before he died.
According to documents reviewed by The Washington Post, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a federal grand jury subpoena seeking records related to Irsay’s death, including details about his prescription drug use and his relationship with California-based addiction specialist Harry Haroutunian.
Irsay died in May at age 65 while staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. His death certificate listed cardiac arrest caused by pneumonia and heart disease. No autopsy was performed, and local police quickly closed their case. Federal agents have since interviewed multiple people close to Irsay and traveled to Indianapolis as part of the inquiry.
The renewed scrutiny follows revelations that Irsay, who publicly said he had overcome addiction, had secretly relapsed. In the months before his death, he allegedly received large quantities of opioid painkillers and ketamine injections—treatments that alarmed those around him. Images reviewed by investigators reportedly show more than 200 opioid pills prescribed in the days before Irsay suffered two overdoses in December 2023.
Ketamine’s use in addiction treatment has drawn intense criticism from medical experts, especially after the high-profile federal case involving actor Matthew Perry, whose death led to criminal charges against multiple individuals, including doctors.
Haroutunian, a former physician director at the Betty Ford Center who has treated celebrities such as Steven Tyler, has not publicly responded to the investigation.
Irsay was one of the NFL’s most influential and outspoken owners, leading the Colts to a Super Bowl victory while openly battling addiction. Now, months after his death, federal investigators are asking whether the full story was ever told—and whether crimes occurred behind closed doors.
