John Elway’s business partner, ex-agent dies after fall from golf cart driven by Hall of Fame QB, per report
Tragedy struck in the life of Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway on Wednesday. Jeff Sperbeck — Elway’s longtime friend, business partner and former agent — died from injuries suffered when falling from a golf cart reportedly driven by Elway, according to ESPN.
The Riverside County (California) coroner confirmed Sperback’s death in a press release from the sheriff’s office. Sperbeck suffered injuries Saturday in La Quinta, California, and he was ruled dead Wednesday at a Palm Springs hospital. He was 62. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco confirmed on Friday that “nothing that we have found” reveals that law enforcement was necessary in the death.
“This appears to be a horrific accident,” Bianco said, via The Denver Post, on Friday. “And unfortunately for all of those involved, one of the people — well, a couple of them — happen to be very high-profile celebrities. And that makes this more of an issue than it probably should be.”
Following this statement, Elway’s attorney Harvey Steinberg released the following remarks on behalf of the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
“This has been a terrible time for everyone involved and our hearts continue to go out to the Sperbeck family,” Steinberg said, via ESPN, on Friday. “As John grieves this unimaginable loss, we appreciate the efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s department. The investigation has confirmed what we already knew: this was a tragic accident and sometimes things happen in life that we will never comprehend.”
TMZ reported that Elway was the driver of the golf cart when Sperbeck fell and hit his head on asphalt. TMZ also reported that there were no indications that Elway was driving inadequately when Sperbeck fell.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said Wednesday in a statement (via ESPN). “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. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”
Sperbeck began representing Elway halfway through his 16-year NFL career in 1990. He also represented over 100 NFL players in a career spanning three decades as an agent and business advisor.
Elway won the 1987 NFL MVP award in addition to consecutive Super Bowl titles to end his career in 1998 and 1999. He also won a Super Bowl as the general manger of the Broncos in 2015. Sperbeck helped run Elway’s business enterprises, which include restaurants, a winery and car dealerships.