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FBI investigating Jim Irsay's death, Washington Post reports
The former Indianapolis Colts owner died at the age of 65 on May 21, 2025. His daughters have taken over the team.

INDIANAPOLIS — The FBI has launched an investigation into the death of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

The Washington Post also reports the agency is investigating Dr. Harry Haroutunian, the California-based recovery doctor who had prescribed Irsay painkillers and ketamine in the last months of his life.

According to The Washington Post:

"Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson, in a phone interview Thursday, said the team is aware of the investigation but has not been served with a subpoena or contacted by the FBI.

'I do understand that there have been some subpoenas provided, but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees,' said Emerson, who declined to comment further.

Haroutunian, the recovery doctor, did not reply to messages this week seeking comment."

The Washington Post reports that Irsay had relapsed in his addiction and was being treated by Haroutunian, a known addiction specialist, at the Beverly Hills Hotel when he died. It was Haroutunian, according to The Washington Post, who signed Irsay's death certificate declaring his death "cardiac arrest caused by pneumonia and heart issues."

The Washington Post describes Haroutunian as:

"A former physician director and spokesman for the famous Betty Ford Center in Southern California, Haroutunian had treated a number of celebrities for substance abuse disorders over the years, including Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler."

No autopsy was performed.

Irsay was named general manager and vice president of the Colts in 1984, one month after the team moved to Indianapolis from Baltimore. He took over day-to-day operations in 1996.

The next year, he became the youngest NFL owner at just 37 years old.

Irsay was public with his battles with addiction, and he was the driving force behind the team's Kicking the Stigma initiative.