10-05-2025
John Elway Golf Cart Tragedy: Coroner Rules on Death of Agent
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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One week ago, tragedy struck on the golf course. Jeff Sperbeck, a close friend and long time agent of Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, fell off the back of a golf cart in La Quinta, California.
The duo were reportedly playing a round together, with Elway having a home in nearby Southern California.
Sperbeck hit his head and suffered trauma to the brain, eventually passing away on Wednesday.
The Riverside Country Coroner officially determined Sperbeck's death to be accidental, the county sheriff's department said Friday.
His death was deemed due to "blunt trauma of the head" with the mode of death, which describes the actions that led to the outcome, being "passenger fell from a golf cart."
STATELINE, NEVADA - JULY 12: Former NFL football player John Elway hits his tee on the second hole on day one of the 2024 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 12,...
STATELINE, NEVADA - JULY 12: Former NFL football player John Elway hits his tee on the second hole on day one of the 2024 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 12, 2024 in Stateline, Nevada. (Photo by) MoreA department spokesperson stated that the investigation is still ongoing. Previously, the sheriff's department posted to social media, expressing their belief that there was no foul play involved.
"At this point there is nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a tragic incident," they posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The accident occurred on Saturday evening at approximately 7:05pm PT at La Quinta's Madison Club.
Immediately following the incident, Elway reportedly called 9-1-1 after seeing his friend fall off the back of a golf cart he was driving. Sperbeck was then brought to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
Unfortunately, doctors were unable to keep Elway's longtime friend alive.
Sperbeck, 62, is survived by his wife, Cori, and three children, Carly, Sam and Jackson.
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