NFL Hall of Famer John Elway’s longtime friend, business partner and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, died after sustaining serious injuries from a golf cart accident on Wednesday, authorities said.
A source familiar with the details of the incident confirmed to NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver that Elway was driving the golf cart.
Officials have not publicly commented on who was driving the golf cart at the time of the incident.
Elway responded to the death of his longtime agent in a statement to NBC News on April 30.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said. “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.”
He 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.”
Cal Fire Riverside responded to a call reporting an individual had fallen off of a golf cart in La Quinta, California, around 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and had “serious injuries,” spokesperson Maggie Cline De La Rosa told NBC News.
Authorities said the incident occurred at a private resort community in La Quinta, near where Elway has a home, KUSA reported.
Sperbeck, 62, died days later in the hospital on April 30, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Sperbeck’s wife, Cori, and his family said they were “deeply saddened” to share the news of his death in a statement to NBC News on May 1.
“He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all. 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 family said. “We are grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support that we have received and ask for privacy for our family at this difficult time.”
Elway was one of the dozens of NFL players, coaches and executives advised by Sperbeck during his career. The two-time Super Bowl winner had worked with Sperbeck since the early 1990s, and co-founded a winery together.
The NFL and the Denver Broncos, the team Elway played for, have not commented on the incident.
Lilia Wood and Erick Mendoza contributed.
