Jim Irsay’s cause of death under control in new report

Jim Irsay, the former Indianapolis Colts owner, who died in May, reportedly suffered a relapse before his death and was under the care of an improving doctor who prescribed him opioids and ketamine.

Irsay died earlier this year at the age of 65. He fought for several health problems over the years along with drug and alcohol dependence. He once admitted to going to rehabilitation “at least 15 times” and helped create a foundation based on mental illness and addiction. Sixteen months before his death, Colts announced that Irsay was treated for “serious respiratory disease.”

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There was also a report on him overdose in December 2023. Irsay denied that he overdosed, and rather said he was suffering a serious hematoma on his legs.

His death stunned the football world at the time. He was still watched at some of Colts’ games during the 2024 season.

Somewhere between that time, the Washington Post reported Thursday that Irsay was “in a relapse” and Colts “repeatedly hid to the public.” Outlet said the interviewed at least five witnesses who saw Irsay ingesting opioids and four who said they saw him taking ketamine.

Witnesses interviewing the Washington Post said they were concerned about treatments that Irsay received from Dr. Harry Haroutunian, an addiction specialist based in California. The report said Haroutunian prescribed Irsay with opioids in the last two years of his life.

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Jim Irsay speaks to the fans at Reggie Wayne’s induction to Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

He rejected further commenting on IRSAY’s treatment for the outlets with reference to medical privacy legislation. Pakinomist Digital reached out for comment.

Haroutunian signed IRSAY’s death certificate as the reason for being a cardiac arrest due to pneumonia and heart problems, according to the newspaper. Beverly Hills Police Department reportedly closed his investigation into his death because investigators did not see any sign of an overdose or drug use. No autopsy or toxicological results were performed.

General Counsel Dan Emerison defended the team’s handling of Irsay’s match in an interview with the Washington Post.

“We handled everything in an appropriate, professional, ethical and moral way,” he said. “… I really wish everyone would let my friend rest in peace.”

Indianapolis Colts -Owner Jim Irsay talks to the fans during the Dwight Freeney induction to the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Pakinomist Digital reached out to Colts for comment. The team referred to a statement that Irsays gave the Washington Post.

“We continue to mourn over the loss of our father, a man defined not only of his role as owner of the Colts, but also of his resilience, his personal struggles and his deep love for family, friends and communities,” reads their statement.

“Throughout his life, our father was open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect. Instead, he used his voice to reduce stigma and spokesman for those facing similar challenges, with honesty, vulnerability and compassion.

“We understand the public interest in his life and inheritance. Although we respect the role of responsible journalism, we refuse to comment on the claims in your study. The media is not the place to tackle inquiries about information that is disputed, lacks significant context or involves private medical affairs.

“Our focus remains on honoring our father’s heritage, his decades of philanthropy, his loyalty to Colts and its fans and his passion for mental health lawyer, music and other chances.

“We ask for continued privacy as we move through this difficult time.”