Legendary Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away on May 21, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Hotel, reportedly while under the care of an addiction specialist.
According to The Washington Post, Irsay’s death certificate lists cardiac arrest due to acute pneumonia, chronic atrial fibrillation, and cardiac arrhythmia as the cause of death. He was 65 years old.
The document was signed by Dr. Harry Haroutunian, who had been caring for Irsay in the days leading up to his passing. Police were told the death was natural, and no autopsy was conducted as the death was not considered sudden, violent, or unexpected.
Allegations About Opioid and Ketamine Use
Sources cited by WaPo raised concerns that Haroutunian may have prescribed dangerous amounts of opioids and ketamine to Irsay, who publicly struggled with addiction, for more than a year.
In response, Haroutunian told WaPo:
“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.”
Past Relapses and Hidden Struggles
The report revealed that Irsay allegedly overdosed three times since 2020, including an incident TMZ Sports reported in 2023, which Irsay later publicly refuted.
Sources claim the Colts concealed his relapses, publicly referring to his health issues as a “severe respiratory illness” rather than addiction struggles.
Colts general counsel Dan Emerson told WaPo:
“We handled everything in an appropriate, professional, ethical and moral fashion … I really wish everybody would let my friend rest in peace.”
A Lifelong Battle With Addiction
Jim Irsay had long been open about his struggles with alcohol and prescription pills, admitting to at least 15 rehab stints.
In 2020, he launched “Kicking the Stigma,” an initiative to support mental health and addiction recovery, reportedly donating over $17 million to the cause.
Irsay’s commitment to helping others highlighted the complexity of his own battle, blending generosity with personal challenges that followed him until his passing.
Why This Matters
Irsay’s death brings attention to:
- The dangers of prescription drug use, even under medical supervision.
- The stigma surrounding addiction and how public figures navigate recovery.
- The impact of concealed health struggles on public perception and legacy.
Next Steps
While officials have ruled the death natural, questions remain about prescription practices and Irsay’s ongoing treatment. Fans and the NFL community continue to mourn the Colts owner, reflecting on both his philanthropy and personal struggles.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jim Irsay’s legacy and new details surrounding his passing.