Colts confirm FBI opened probe into Irsay's death

What’s Happening

Real talk: The Indianapolis Colts on Thursday acknowledged the existence of an FBI investigation into the death of owner Jim Irsay and the potential involvement of a California doctor who reportedly prescribed him pain pills and ketamine.

Colts confirm FBI investigating death of former owner Jim Irsay Stephen Holder Jan 22, 2026, 05:42 PM ET Close Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. (shocking, we know)

He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013.

The Details

He has before worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic. Follow on X Email Print The Indianapolis Colts on Thursday acknowledged the existence of an FBI investigation into the death of former owner Jim Irsay and the potential involvement of a California doctor who reportedly prescribed him pain pills and ketamine.

But, the team has not been contacted and no subpoenas have been issued, according to the club. Irsay died in May at 65 from what was described as cardiac arrest.

Why This Matters

Editor’s Picks Report: Irsay suffered drug relapses before death According to a story in The Washington Post, which first reported the news of the FBI probe, the FBI is seeking records and information about Irsay’s death, substance use and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California addiction specialist. The Post cited a grand jury subpoena issued earlier this month in Los Angeles and stated that people close to Irsay had been contacted.

Sports fans across the globe are reacting to this news.

Key Takeaways

• Irsay, who spent long stretches in California, died at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
• The Post has reported that Haroutunian was also staying at the hotel and treating Irsay before his passing.
• Irsay spoke publicly about his experience with substance abuse, including multiple overdoses and one that nearly cost him his life.
• His three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson — have assumed ownership of the Colts after his death.

The Bottom Line

Irsay spoke publicly about his experience with substance abuse, including multiple overdoses and one that nearly cost him his life. His three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson — have assumed ownership of the Colts after his death.

What do you think about all this?