{"id":50232,"date":"2025-05-22T07:45:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T07:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=50232"},"modified":"2025-05-22T07:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T07:45:07","slug":"heartbreaking-cause-of-death-revealed-for-indianapolis-colts-owner-jim-irsay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=50232","title":{"rendered":"Heartbreaking Cause Of Death Revealed For Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay.."},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Jim
Jim Irsay (Jenna Watson\/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indianapolis Colts\u00a0owner\u00a0Jim Irsay has passed away, the team announced on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

He was 65 years old.<\/p>\n

The Colts announced on Wednesday that the longtime owner of the team died in his sleep. He died \u201cpeacefully\u201d in his sleep at home.<\/p>\n

Irsay had several health issues over the years, and battled drug and alcohol addiction, recently being treated for an overdose.<\/p>\n

The team released the following statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,\u201d it began.<\/p>\n

Jim\u2019s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Some of Jim\u2019s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim\u2019s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.<\/p>\n

Jim\u2019s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim\u2019s passions, and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place, and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n