FBI Launches Investigation into Former NFL Owner's Death and Medical Treatment
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jim Irsay, the former owner of the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts, according to exclusive reporting by The Washington Post. The investigation also focuses on the recovery doctor who supplied Irsay with substantial quantities of prescription pain medications and ketamine during his final months.
Federal Grand Jury Subpoena Seeks Detailed Information
Documents reviewed by The Washington Post reveal that a federal grand jury subpoena has been issued seeking comprehensive information about Irsay's death, his history of substance abuse, and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian. The subpoena was issued earlier this month by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, indicating the serious nature of the federal inquiry.
According to the report, the FBI's investigation encompasses both the circumstances of Irsay's passing and the medical treatment he received from Dr. Haroutunian, who was reportedly providing the former Colts owner with what sources described as "alarming amounts" of opioid pills and ketamine injections.
Controversial Death Certificate and Medical Oversight
Jim Irsay died at age 65 in May 2025 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. Notably, Dr. Haroutunian was also staying at the same hotel and was treating Irsay in the period leading up to his death. The doctor oversaw Irsay's medical treatment and ultimately signed his death certificate, which listed the cause as cardiac arrest resulting from pneumonia and heart issues—ruling it a "natural" death.
The Colts organization initially stated that Irsay had passed away peacefully in his sleep. However, no autopsy was performed following his death, and the Beverly Hills Police Department did not initiate any investigation into the circumstances, raising questions that have now attracted federal attention.
Pattern of Excessive Medication and Overdoses
An August report indicates that Irsay had experienced a relapse in his addiction to pain medications. According to The Washington Post's investigation, during Irsay's final months, he received opioid pills and ketamine injections from Dr. Haroutunian in quantities that "alarmed several people" close to him.
In December 2023, Haroutunian prescribed Irsay 200 opioid pills, and the Colts owner overdosed twice within a 12-day span that same month. Following these incidents, ketamine injections became a regular part of Haroutunian's treatment protocol for Irsay.
When contacted by The Post, Dr. Haroutunian stated: "I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him...as a brother. We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible."
Parallels to Matthew Perry Case Highlight Ketamine Concerns
The investigation into Irsay's death comes amid heightened scrutiny of ketamine distribution following the high-profile death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry died at age 54 in October 2023 after being found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. An autopsy determined he died from the acute effects of ketamine.
In December 2025, a doctor who admitted distributing ketamine to Perry weeks before his death was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Criminal charges were filed against five people who provided Perry with ketamine, including two medical professionals, highlighting the legal risks associated with improper ketamine distribution.
Broader Implications for Sports and Medical Communities
The FBI's investigation into Jim Irsay's death represents a significant development at the intersection of professional sports, medical ethics, and substance abuse treatment. As a prominent NFL owner who had publicly discussed his struggles with addiction, Irsay's case has drawn particular attention to the responsibilities of medical professionals treating high-profile patients with substance abuse histories.
The federal probe raises important questions about appropriate medical supervision, prescription practices, and end-of-life care for individuals with known addiction issues. The outcome of this investigation could potentially influence how medical professionals approach pain management and addiction treatment for public figures and private citizens alike.
