A new Washington Post investigation has brought to light troubling details about the final years of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away on May 21, 2025, at age 65. Despite his public image as a passionate philanthropist and mental health advocate, Irsay privately faced severe addiction challenges that were largely concealed from public view.ReutersPeople.com
1. Relapse and Overdoses Concealed from Public View
- Irsay suffered at least three overdose incidents during the last five years of his life:
- February 2020: Overdose during a vacation in Turks and Caicos, necessitating an airlift.People.comReuters
- December 2023: Overdose at his home near Indianapolis.People.comReuters
- 12 days later in late December 2023: Another overdose at a Florida resort, resulting in hospitalization for almost four months.ReutersPeople.com
These incidents were downplayed publicly: the Colts cited a “severe respiratory illness” or back surgery as the causes of his deteriorating health. Irsay himself publicly disputed that the events were overdoses.ReutersCBSSports.comThe GuardianCNN
2. Treatment by a “Luxury” Recovery Doctor
- Irsay was under the care of Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist operating what the Post labeled a “boutique” or “luxury” practice.ReutersPeople.comThe Washington PostCBSSports.com
- Haroutunian prescribed opioids and administered ketamine injections, despite warnings about their risks—especially in patients with heart issues or substance abuse history.ReutersCBSSports.comPeople.com
- Shockingly, Haroutunian also signed Irsay’s death certificate, citing cardiac arrest, pneumonia, and heart disease, which allowed the case to be closed without an autopsy or toxicology testing.ReutersPeople.comThe Washington PostCBSSports.com
- In a statement, Haroutunian said, “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.”ReutersPeople.comNewser
3. Lack of Transparency Among the Colts Organization
- The investigation highlighted efforts by the Colts and Irsay’s inner circle to shield his addiction from the public. Team executives and spokespeople offered misleading explanations for his absences and health concerns.ReutersPeople.comThe Washington PostCBSSports.com
- According to sources, Irsay even fired a nurse who had hidden medication from him out of concern for how rapidly he was consuming pills.People.comCBSSports.com
- A call to 911 during his December 2023 home’s overdose described potential heart failure—not overdose—to medical responders, reflecting further public obfuscation.CBSSports.comReutersPeople.com
4. The Family’s Statement
Following the Post’s report, Irsay’s three daughters—Carlie Irsay‑Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—released a statement urging privacy and defending their father’s legacy:
“Our Dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect… The media is not the place to address inquiries about information which is disputed, lacks essential context, or involves private medical matters.”ReutersPeople.com
5. Legacy Continues Amid Controversy
- The Colts intend to honor Irsay by inducting him into their Ring of Honor at their season opener on September 7, 2025.Reuters
- His “Kicking the Stigma” campaign—launched in 2020 to de-stigmatize addiction and mental health issues—continues to run, reinforcing his commitment to philanthropy.People.comWikipediaThe Washington Post
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overdoses | Three: Feb 2020 (Turks and Caicos), Dec 2023 (home), Dec 2023 (Florida) |
| Physician | Dr. Harry Haroutunian – prescribed opioids and ketamine; signed death certificate |
| Public Cover-Up | Health issues attributed to respiratory illness or surgery; no autopsy/toxicology |
| Family Response | Requested privacy; emphasized open struggles and legacy |
| Legacy and Honors | Ring of Honor induction planned; continued mental-health advocacy |
This deeply unsettling account spotlights the complex dichotomy between Jim Irsay’s public advocacy and private struggles. It also raises broader questions about medical ethics, transparency, and accountability—especially when powerful individuals and institutions intervene.