Cause Of Death Announced For John Elway's Friend, Former NFL Agent

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 9, 2025 6:56 PM ET

Several days ago NFL legend John Elway lost his friend and longtime agent Jeff Sperbeck in a freak accident. This week, the cause of death was officially declared.

On Friday, TMZ reported that Sperbeck's death was ruled as "blunt head trauma." Per the report, that information came from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, who said that the death had also been ruled an accident (contrary to some rumors).

The toxicology report has not yet been released. After that comes out, the final report in the case is likely to be filed. No criminal charges against anyone, let alone Elway, are expected to be forthcoming.

John Elway's Agent, Jeff Sperbeck, Died Of Accidental Blunt Head Trauma, Coroner Says | Click to read more https://t.co/rf1cgVWQ4t
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) May 9, 2025

Sperbeck was seriously injured on April 26 after he reportedly fell off a cart that Elway was driving at a golf community in La Quinta, California. Elway was unharmed in the accident.

Sperbeck was treated in the hospital for several days but succumbed to his injuries on April 30. He was 62 years old.

Following the death of his friend, Elway released a statement on how "absolutely devastated" he was by the entire situation.

“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. 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.”

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 28: John Elway, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos, looks on as players warm up before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 28, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, there were suspicions that Elway was drinking alcohol at a party prior to getting into the golf cart. But the only evidence to that effect is a single image of Elway drinking an unknown beverage from a cup.

The police found no sign of foul play and the two-time Super Bowl champion has not been questioned in any way that would indicate that he is being investigated.

The entire situation is still a tragedy.

Our hearts go out to Sperbeck's family and loved ones as well as John Elway.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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