Jim Irsay’s Struggles with Addiction Revealed Following Death

The life of Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was marked by secret struggles with addiction, culminating in his death in Beverly Hills on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65. A recent investigation by The Washington Post has uncovered details of Irsay’s hidden battles, revealing that he relapsed into opioid and ketamine use during the final years of his life. His passing, confirmed by the Colts, was initially described as peaceful, but the circumstances surrounding it have raised significant questions.

According to the investigation, Irsay had been receiving prescriptions for opioids and later ketamine from his recovery doctor, Dr. Harry Haroutunian, despite previous claims of recovery. The report, published on August 28, 2025, includes testimonies from five individuals who witnessed Irsay consuming opioid pills and receiving ketamine injections. These revelations contrast sharply with public statements from the Colts organization, which had portrayed Irsay’s health issues as manageable.

Irsay’s health had deteriorated significantly in recent years, with evidence of three overdoses prior to his death. The first incident occurred in Turks and Caicos in 2020, requiring air ambulance transport for treatment. A second overdose took place in December 2023 at his home in Carmel, Indiana, which police confirmed as an overdose. Just weeks later, Irsay was hospitalized after another overdose incident in Florida, near Miami. Following this episode, he spent nearly four months recovering at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

Despite these incidents, Irsay continued to receive treatment from Dr. Haroutunian. The ongoing prescriptions, particularly for ketamine, raised alarms among those close to him. On the evening of his death, Irsay was found in his hotel suite, which was reportedly equipped with a “hospital-bed type setup.”

The Colts organization announced his passing, stating that he had “passed away peacefully in his sleep,” but the investigation has brought forth a more complex narrative of his final years.

In response to the report, Irsay’s family issued a statement emphasizing their grief and reflecting on his legacy. They noted his openness about addiction and mental health struggles throughout his life. “Our Dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect,” the family said. They also stressed that their focus remains on honoring his legacy and contributions to philanthropy, mental health advocacy, and his commitment to the Colts and its fans.

Local authorities in Beverly Hills confirmed there were no signs of foul play or overdose at the scene of Irsay’s death, and an autopsy was not conducted. The circumstances of his passing, along with the revelations of his hidden struggles, have sparked discussions about the challenges of addiction and the importance of transparency in addressing such issues.

As the narrative unfolds, the impact of Jim Irsay’s life and struggles continues to resonate, reminding many of the ongoing battle against addiction that affects countless individuals and families.