FBI launches investigation into the death of Colts owner Jim Irsay

The FBI has launched a significant investigation into the death of Jim Irsay, the long-time owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who passed away in May 2025.

Federal authorities are reportedly focusing on Dr Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist who treated Irsay in the months leading up to his death at the age of 65.

A grand jury subpoena issued in early January 2026 seeks records concerning Irsay’s substance use and his relationship with the doctor, who allegedly prescribed him a potent mix of opioids and ketamine.

While the Colts initially stated Irsay “passed away peacefully” from natural causes, later reports revealed a darker struggle.

An exposé published last August suggested Irsay had secretly relapsed, suffering three overdoses in his final years.

Crucially, Dr Haroutunian was the one who signed the death certificate, citing heart failure and pneumonia, which meant no official autopsy or toxicology tests were performed at the time.

Dr Haroutunian has previously defended his care, stating, “I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother.”

However, the FBI is now scrutinising whether the volume of prescriptions contributed to the billionaire’s demise.

Irsay’s daughters have asked for privacy, noting their father's "resilience" and his public work to "Kicking the Stigma" surrounding addiction.

As the investigation moves forward, the focus remains on whether the very treatment meant to save the NFL icon ultimately played a role in his tragic end.