A shadow of hidden struggles has emerged following the death of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. An investigative report by The Washington Post, published on August 28, 2025, details a series of previously undisclosed overdoses and the use of ketamine treatments in the years leading up to his death in May 2025. The report paints a picture of a hidden relapse into opioid use and alleged attempts by Irsay and Colts executives to conceal his declining health from the public eye.
The Washington Post Investigation
The foundation of this exposé rests on a thorough investigation conducted by The Washington Post. Their findings are based on interviews with five individuals possessing direct knowledge of Irsay’s relapse, combined with a review of relevant records. This comprehensive approach has brought to light details that were previously unknown to the public.
Multiple Overdoses Revealed
The investigation uncovered that Irsay suffered three overdoses in the final five years of his life. The first incident occurred in February 2020 in Turks and Caicos. However, the two December 2023 incidents are particularly alarming. According to the report, on December 8, 2023, police responded to an emergency call at Irsay’s home in Carmel, Indiana. They found him unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Police records from this incident indicate that medication was administered to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Just twelve days later, in December 2023, Irsay reportedly suffered another overdose at a Florida resort near Miami. This incident resulted in a nearly four-month hospitalization. Adding to the complexity of the situation, two days before the Florida overdose, Irsay allegedly fired a nurse who had attempted to hide his pills, fearing he was consuming them too quickly.
Ketamine Use and Opioid Prescriptions
The Washington Post report also sheds light on Irsay’s medical care. It indicates that he was under the care of Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist. Dr. Haroutunian prescribed Irsay opioid pills and later ketamine. Sources close to Irsay reportedly witnessed him consuming opioid pills and receiving ketamine injections, raising concerns about the quantities being administered.
Contrasting Public Image and Private Struggles
The revelations in the report create a stark contrast between Irsay’s public persona and his private struggles. He was a vocal advocate for mental health and addiction awareness through his “Kicking the Stigma” campaign, often sharing his own experiences. However, the alleged concealment of his relapses suggests a deliberate effort to maintain a specific public image.
Efforts to Conceal Declining Health
The alleged concealment of Irsay’s relapses stands in stark contrast to the public explanations provided by him and the Colts organization. Following the December 2023 incident at his home, a Colts executive reportedly told a 911 dispatcher that Irsay might be suffering from heart failure, omitting any mention of drug use. When news outlets reported the overdose, Irsay publicly disputed the characterization. His extended absence in early 2024 was publicly attributed to a “severe respiratory illness” or recovery from surgery, while the Post’s reporting suggests it followed a drug overdose.
The Circumstances Surrounding Irsay’s Death
Jim Irsay died on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65, at a luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, California. His death certificate, signed by Dr. Harry Haroutunian, listed the cause as cardiac arrest. Notably, no autopsy or toxicology testing was performed. This lack of further investigation, coupled with the revelations of The Washington Post report, raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his death and the transparency of information provided by the Colts and those involved in his care. The Colts are now owned by Irsay’s three daughters.
A Legacy of Hidden Struggles
The Washington Post’s investigative report has unveiled a complex and troubling narrative surrounding Jim Irsay’s final years. The documented overdoses, ketamine use, and alleged attempts to conceal his declining health paint a starkly different picture than the public image he cultivated. The report underscores the devastating impact of addiction and the importance of transparency, even in the face of public scrutiny. The lack of a thorough investigation into his death only amplifies the questions surrounding the circumstances and the information shared by those closest to him. The future leadership of the Colts, now in the hands of his daughters, will undoubtedly grapple with the legacy of these newly revealed struggles.
