Sheriff labels NFL star John Elway’s agent Jeff Sperbeck’s death a ‘horrific accident’

In the latest on former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway’s agent, Jeff Sperbeck’s death, the Riverside County sheriff has shared details into the ongoing investigation. On May 2, Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke to The Denver Post to provide updates on the April 26 golf cart incident that took Sperbeck’s life on April 30.

Clarifying how the Riverside country sheriff’s department is handling the incident, Bianco said,

“This appears to be a horrific accident. 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.”

In his statement to The Denver Post, Bianco added,

“It is common practice for medical personnel, whether it be an ambulance personnel or hospital personnel or even fire personnel, to call us after the scene of an accident because something doesn’t look right. And this was not the case.”

While assuring The Denver Post that the case was being handled as an accident, Sheriff Bianco said,

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that this is what it appears to be, and just an accident.”

Elway’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, responded to the Riverside County sheriff’s declaration, and through journalist Adam Schefter, wrote,

"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.”

Sperbeck passed away on April 30, four days after falling from a golf cart that resulted in the sports agent suffering a ‘traumatic brain injury,’ as per People Magazine. Sperbeck was with former NFL player, John Elway, who was his associate and friend. As per the same report, Sperbeck fell off the back of a golf cart which Elway was driving.

The incident took place in the Madison Club in La Quinta, as per News Channel 3. The outlet also shared that Sperbeck was taken to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs after the accident.

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John Elway’s presence led to the involvement of the Riverside County sheriff’s office

While speaking to The Denver Post, Chad Bianco confirmed that while first responders did not initially involve the sheriff’s department in the incident, Bianco and his office had to step in after a “massive media inquiry” flooded the department after it was reported that John Elway was involved in the accident.

Bianco also clarified to the news outlet that John Elway was not inebriated at the time of the accident, and all equipment seemed to be in a functioning order. The Sheriff told The Denver Post that his department was currently investigating surveillance footage and going through testimonies of witnesses.

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John Elway’s tribute to his agent, Jeff Sperbeck

Through sports journalist and ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, John Elway released a statement mourning the death of Jeff Sperbeck. Schefter posted Elway’s tribute on his X account. The statement read:

“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."

It continued:

"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.”

As per TMZ, Sperbeck and Elway together owned the winery, 7Cellars, which they opened in 2013.

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