The death of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is now under federal investigation, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
The FBI and the DEA are investigating the 65-year-old Irsay’s death in May at the Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as the California addiction specialist who had been treating him with opioids and ketamine, the sources said.
Dr. Harry Haroutunian signed the death certificate that said the cause was cardiac arrest due to pneumonia, according to a copy of the document obtained by ABC News. There was no autopsy, the certificate said.
General manager Bill Polian, team owner Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts look on during Super Bowl XLIV Media Day at Sun Life Stadium on February 2, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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Haroutunian did not respond to an ABC News request for comment.
The FBI declined to confirm or deny the investigation, which was first reported by the Washington Post.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor induction ceremony during halftime of a game against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Irsay was the billionaire owner of the Colts for nearly 30 years, celebrating a Super Bowl victory with Peyton Manning in 2007. He was open about his life-long struggle with addiction.
“We are aware of the investigation, but at this time, we’ve not been contacted by the FBI or been served with any subpoenas,” the Colts said in a statement provided to ABC News.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on the field before the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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The use of ketamine to treat addiction was the subject of an investigation into the 2023 death of Matthew Perry. Five people ended up facing criminal charges in the Perry case with one doctor being sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for distributing ketamine to the actor.
The investigation into Irsay’s death is in its early stages, the sources said.
