LA QUINTA, Calif. — The tragic death of Jeff Sperbeck, former agent and business partner of NFL legend John Elway, resulted from what is being described as a “horrific accident.” This incident, which took place after Sperbeck fell off a golf cart, did not involve any criminal activity according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The sheriff’s department is currently investigating the event.
Sperbeck, aged 62, passed away on Wednesday after sustaining injuries in a Southern California golf community. Witness Ali Simon recounted to KESQ-TV in Palm Springs that Elway was present at the crash site.
“This appears to be a horrific accident,” Sheriff Bianco conveyed to the Denver Post, noting that the involvement of high-profile figures like Elway adds prominence to the situation. John Elway, a career-long player with the Denver Broncos, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his long-time friend.
The incident occurred during the previous weekend. Riverside County fire authorities responded to The Madison Club in La Quinta, an exclusive country club and residential area near Palm Springs, on Saturday evening. They received a report about someone suffering severe injuries from falling off a golf cart. Sperbeck was hospitalized and succumbed to his injuries by early Wednesday.
Witness Ali Simon told KESQ-TV that Elway was at the scene, although she did not witness the fall. She recounted seeing Sperbeck on the ground with Elway nearby, communicating on his phone. Although reports from sources like TMZ and KUSA-TV speculate that Elway was driving the cart, law enforcement has not confirmed the driver’s identity, and Elway has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
Medical staff at the scene found no evidence of Elway being under the influence, as noted by Sheriff Bianco to the Denver Post without further detail on their assessment.
Sheriff Bianco mentioned that initial responders did not immediately involve the sheriff’s office. Typically, law enforcement engagement is warranted only if there’s serious concern. However, due to media attention, his office is now reviewing surveillance footage and statements from witnesses. He anticipates the investigation to be brief.
In explaining the protocol, Ed Obayashi, a deputy sheriff and special prosecutor, stated that law enforcement might not investigate single-person injuries unless a fatality occurs, necessitating a detailed coroner review.
Elway’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, confirmed to 9NEWS in Colorado that the unfortunate incident was accidental. “The investigation has confirmed what we already knew: This was a tragic accident and sometimes things happen in life that we will never comprehend,” Steinberg commented.
Jeff Sperbeck resided in San Clemente, Orange County and started managing Elway in 1990 during Elway’s tenure as the Denver Broncos’ quarterback. Over a thirty-year career, Sperbeck represented over 100 NFL athletes as an agent and business consultant. He was notably recognized as both a close friend and business ally of Elway, aiding in managing Elway’s varied business undertakings from dining establishments to automotive dealerships and wineries.
“We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends the Elway’s and the many other clients Jeff called friends,” the Sperbeck family stated.
Collaboration between Sperbeck and Elway included working with winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr. to create 7Cellars by John Elway in 2015. He was also engaged in several charitable projects and co-launched a sports marketing firm.
Elway expressed his heartbreak with Sperbeck’s passing: “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me.”
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