News Summary
John Elway will not face charges following the accidental death of his business partner, Jeff Sperbeck, who fell from a golf cart and suffered fatal injuries. The Riverside County Sheriff concluded the incident was a tragic accident, with no criminal activity or intent discovered. Sperbeck was a well-respected sports agent and co-founded a winery with Elway, whose connection with Sperbeck significantly impacted both their professional and personal lives. Despite the investigation closure, authorities noted the case could be revisited if new evidence arises.
La Quinta, California – John Elway will not face charges in connection with the accidental death of his business partner, Jeff Sperbeck, who tragically died after falling from a golf cart in April. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated that the investigation has concluded with no evidence of criminal activity or intent surrounding the incident, describing it as a “tragic accident.”
The accident occurred on April 26, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m. in the Madison Club community. Jeff Sperbeck, aged 62, was standing in the back of the golf cart when he fell off and suffered a significant head injury upon hitting the asphalt. He was pronounced dead shortly after at Desert Regional Medical Center, with the time of death recorded at 1:10 a.m. on April 30, 2023.
In assessing the circumstances of the incident, Sheriff Bianco reviewed video footage and reported that there was “no explanation as to why he fell off” the golf cart. The vehicle, designed for two to four passengers, was carrying five individuals at the time, including Elway and Sperbeck. Official conclusions drawn by the Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau indicated that Sperbeck’s death resulted from blunt force trauma due to the fall and was classified as an accidental death.
Following the tragedy, John Elway expressed his deep sorrow regarding Sperbeck’s passing, stating that he was “absolutely devastated and heartbroken.” Elway and Sperbeck had a long-standing partnership, with Sperbeck representing over 100 NFL players throughout his 30-year career as an agent, including managing Elway’s career from 1990 onwards. The pair also co-founded the 7Cellars winery together and were involved in several business ventures, such as restaurants and car dealerships.
John Elway is known for his tenure in professional football, having served as the general manager and executive vice president for the Denver Broncos until his contract expired in March 2023. Elway’s connection with Sperbeck was integral in navigating both his athletic and business endeavors.
Despite the closure of the investigation, Sheriff Bianco mentioned that the case could be revisited if new evidence emerges in the future. This statement leaves the door open for further inquiries, should circumstances change.
Jeff Sperbeck is survived by his wife, Cori, their three children—Carly, Samantha, and Jackson—and his granddaughters, Josie and Bo. His passing has left a notable impact on both the sports industry and the business world, where he was highly regarded.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Sheriff: Death of John Elway’s former agent a tragic accident
- Wikipedia: John Elway
- Page Six: John Elway devastated, withdrawn following tragic death of friend
- Google Search: John Elway golf cart accident
- Washington Post: John Elway’s friend dies in golf cart accident
- USA Today: John Elway agent’s death ruled an accident, no charges
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