The Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jim Irsay, the former owner of the Indianapolis Colts, following revelations about his struggles with substance abuse.

Irsay, known for his candidness and sometimes contentious presence, passed away at 65 this past May. His public appearances were notably scarce during what turned out to be the final NFL season of his life.

Throughout his years, Irsay did not shy away from discussing his battle with addiction, having openly acknowledged his repeated stints in rehabilitation for alcoholism and dependency on painkillers.

Recent reports indicate that the FBI is actively seeking documentation and details related to both Irsay’s death and his use of substances, including both illicit drugs and prescription medications.

Earlier in the month, authorities issued a federal subpoena, and federal agents have since been seen in Indianapolis, conducting interviews with individuals who had close ties to Irsay.

Late Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay, allegedly relapsed in the years before his death 

Irsay previously admitted he had partaken in rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Indianapolis Colts for comment. Later on Thursday, the team acknowledged the existence of the probe but insisted they have not been contacted by FBI officials. They also said no subpoenas have been issued.

Back in August, a bombshell report claimed that Irsay had relapsed in his substance addiction in the years before his death, allegedly suffering as many as three overdoses after being administered ketamine and opioids.

Irsay was reportedly prescribed opioids and ketamine in concerning amounts by an addiction specialist doctor and suffered multiple overdoses. 

According to five sources speaking to The Washington Post under anonymity, the recovery doctor is said to have supplied Irsay with opioid pills. Nurses are also said to have been seen injecting the NFL owner with ketamine under the doctor’s direction. 

Ketamine, the anesthetic that contributed to the 2023 death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry, reportedly poses a risk to patients with a history of substance abuse or heart conditions. 

Perry was found dead face down in his jacuzzi back on October 29, 2023. A medical examiner later ruled that the Hollywood star – who had battled substance abuse issues throughout his life – had died of ‘acute effects of ketamine.’ Earlier this month, drug dealer Jasveen Sangha took a plea deal for allegedly supplying the fatal dose. 

Irsay passed away at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where the doctor who was allegedly prescribing him with opioids and ketamine was also reportedly staying at the time. 

The Beverly Hills Hotel declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail, citing guest privacy and confidentiality.

The billionaire NFL owner passed away at the Beverly Hills Hotel back in May 

Irsay was suffering with a heart condition, according to the report. His death certificate was signed by the doctor, who listed Irsay’s cause of death as cardiac arrest cause by pneumonia and heart issues, according to The Post.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner declined to conduct an autopsy. The department told The Post that it did not consider his death sudden, violent or unexpected. 

Beverly Hills police also closed their investigation into Irsay’s death just days following his passing. Officers reportedly saw no signs of an overdose or drug use at the scene of his death, a spokesperson said. 

Yet, The Post’s bombshell report has now claimed that Irsay suffered as many as three overdoses in the final five years of his life. 

He is said to have suffered two opioid overdoses within two weeks of each other in December 2023. Irsay allegedly first overdosed at his home in Indianapolis and then again 12 days later at a beachfront resort near Miami, Florida. 

The Florida overdose is said to have left Irsay hospitalized for almost four months, which, at the time, the Colts attributed to a respiratory disease. 

In the days before the incident in Florida, the addiction specialist doctor allegedly prescribed Irsay more than 200 opioid pills.

‘I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother,’ the doctor told The Post. ‘We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.’ 

Irsay’s three daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, assumed co-ownership of the Colts organization following his death 

Irsay also suffered a previous overdose over three years prior while in Turks and Caicos, The Post claims. 

When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment in response to the shocking claims, the Colts did not directly address the concerning reports surrounding Irsay’s treatment and instead asked for privacy. 

‘We continue to grieve the loss of our Dad, a man defined not only by his role as owner of the Colts, but also by his resilience, his personal struggles, and his deep love for family, friends, and community,’ a statement attributed to Irsay’s three daughters read. 

His daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, assumed co-ownership of the Colts organization following his passing.