Jim Irsay, the late owner of the Indianapolis Colts, struggled with a serious relapse before his passing in May at age 65. Recent reports reveal that he kept this battle hidden from the public, despite being open about his past issues with substance abuse.
According to The Washington Post, Irsay faced a relapse in the last two years of his life. He was reportedly prescribed ketamine by a private doctor, who later signed his death certificate citing cardiac arrest as the cause. Surprisingly, no autopsy or toxicology tests were conducted.
Close friends raised concerns about Irsay’s treatment regimen, especially from addiction specialist Harry Haroutunian, who resided at the Beverly Hills Hotel where Irsay passed away. Haroutunian had prescribed over 200 opioid pills to Irsay before he experienced two overdoses in December 2023—once at his home in Indianapolis and another at a rental property in Miami.
Reports suggest that during this time, Irsay dismissed a nurse who was worried about his pill consumption. He publicly attributed his health concerns to back surgery rather than addressing the substance issues.
In January 2024, police suspected Irsay had overdosed, but both he and the Colts denied these claims. Instead, they described his condition as a “severe respiratory illness.” When emergency services were called, there was no mention of drug use—only concern over his failing heart.
Former Colts employees allege that team officials worked to keep Irsay’s struggles out of the spotlight. “I’ve always approached my responsibilities with utmost professionalism,” said COO Pete Ward. General counsel Dan Emerson echoed this sentiment, saying they handled matters ethically and wished for Irsay to rest in peace.
As Irsay’s health declined, he began receiving ketamine injections. Haroutunian, who considered Irsay family, expressed regret over the situation, stating, “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”
After Irsay’s passing, his three daughters took over ownership of the Colts. They honored their father’s legacy, highlighting his openness about addiction and mental health struggles. They stated, “Our Dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect.”
In 2020, Irsay helped launch the Kicking the Stigma campaign, focusing on mental health awareness. He believed that living openly about struggles is essential. “We can either be an example through death, or an example through living,” he pointed out in a 2022 interview. This campaign aims to foster dialogue and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Irsay’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle many face regarding addiction and mental health. While he struggled, he also advocated for understanding and compassion—values his family continues to champion today.
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