Colts Owner Jim Irsay Secretly Relapsed and Overdosed Multiple Times Before His Death: Report

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was reported to have overdosed multiple times before his untimely death. The late owner, who passed away in May at the age of 65, had been struggling with opioid addiction for years. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, particularly around the lack of investigation into the matter.

A recent report by The Washington Post shed light on Irsay’s final years, revealing that he had overdosed three times in the last five years of his life. The report highlighted concerns from individuals close to Irsay about his relapse into addiction and efforts made to conceal his struggles from the public. Despite the Colts not disclosing a cause of death, a death certificate later indicated heart issues and complications from pneumonia as the official reasons for his passing.

The report detailed that Irsay had experienced overdoses in February 2020 and twice in December 2023. During his final months, he had been receiving ketamine injections from an addiction specialist. This same specialist, Harry Haroutunian, had been prescribing Irsay opioids in the years leading up to his death. Haroutunian was present at the Beverly Hills Hotel with Irsay on the day of his passing but did not provide specific details about his treatment plan.

Haroutunian’s approach to treating Irsay’s addiction has come under scrutiny, especially his continued prescription of opioids despite Irsay’s well-known struggles with addiction. The Post report also highlighted the use of ketamine as a treatment option, despite warnings against its usage for individuals battling addiction. Irsay’s public battle with addiction began in 2002 when he was linked to a local surgeon accused of overprescribing opioids.

In addition to his personal struggles, Irsay founded the organization Kicking the Stigma in 2020 to raise awareness and support for those grappling with addiction. The late owner’s daughters have taken over ownership of the Colts following his passing and have yet to comment on the recent revelations. The exact number of overdoses Irsay experienced remains unclear, with reports suggesting he sought treatment at a local hospital in Indianapolis.

The circumstances surrounding Jim Irsay’s death have brought to light the complexities of addiction and the challenges individuals face in seeking help and recovery. The need for transparency and accountability in addressing addiction issues has been underscored by this latest report. As investigations continue into Irsay’s struggles and treatment, the impact of his legacy on the NFL and efforts to combat addiction remains a topic of discussion within the sports community.