Indianapolis, IN – Emergency responders rushed to the home of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay in Carmel last month, finding the 64-year-old unresponsive and struggling to breathe in what has been logged as a suspected overdose, according to records obtained by FOX59/CBS4’s Max Lewis.
On the morning of December 8th, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the Carmel Police Department received a call for assistance with a male who was unresponsive and experiencing difficulty breathing at Irsay’s residence on W. 116th Street. The supplemental report revealed that Irsay had fallen in the bathroom, and upon discovery, he was moved to a bed where he remained unresponsive.
The responding officer noted in the report that Irsay was unconscious, displaying abnormal breathing (agonal breathing), a weak pulse, and was cold to the touch. Attempts to wake him with a sternum rub proved unsuccessful, leading the officers to administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to counteract opiate overdoses. Irsay showed a slight response to the naloxone.
Paramedics took over and transported Jim to a local hospital, preventing the need for an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock his heart. The incident was logged as an “overdose,” though the report did not specify the substance involved.
The report did reveal that Jim had been prescribed multiple medications, but the specifics were redacted in the documents provided. Body cameras recorded the incident, adding an additional layer of documentation to the investigation.
Since the incident, Irsay made a public appearance at the Pittsburgh Steelers game on December 16, but he has largely remained out of the public eye. The Colts announced last week that Irsay is “being treated for a severe respiratory illness” and had to miss a planned performance of the Jim Irsay Band in Los Angeles. The team assured that he was receiving excellent care and anticipated his return to the stage soon.
Jim Irsay has a history of battling addiction, openly admitting in 2002 to an addiction to painkillers that began in 1995. He attributed the addiction to chronic pain resulting from multiple surgeries. In a recent interview with HBO’s “Real Sports,” Irsay disclosed that he had been to rehab at least 15 times and recounted a previous overdose where he nearly lost his life.
“I was trying to detox myself, and I mixed multiple drugs that I didn’t know anything about. So all of a sudden, I start slurring my words. And then code blue, I stop breathing,” Irsay shared. “And they revive me, and the doctor goes, ‘Jim, you’re one lucky man because I had virtually signed the death certificate.'”
This incident follows a 2014 episode where Carmel police stopped Irsay for erratic driving, discovering prescription drugs and over $29,000 in cash in his vehicle. A subsequent toxicology report confirmed the presence of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and an anxiety medication in his system. Irsay pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count, received fines from the NFL, and served a six-game suspension.
The Colts community and fans now await updates on Irsay’s health and recovery, hoping for his swift return to both personal well-being and involvement with the team.
Colts Owner Jim Irsay was found unresponsive at home in a 'suspected overdose' last month.
— MyBookie – Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) January 17, 2024
He was found in bed unresponsive and turning blue. 😮 pic.twitter.com/IZyULp1PoQ
