Jeff Sperbeck, friend of John Elway, dies after falling off golf cart reportedly driven by NFL legend

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway was involved in a tragedy over the weekend, reportedly behind the wheel of a golf cart in an accident that left his longtime friend, Jeff Sperbeck, on life support. Unfortunately, the 62-years old Sperbeck has now succumbed to his injuries, passing away on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Jeff Sperbeck, the longtime friend, business partner and former agent of John Elway, died Wednesday from injuries suffered when he fell off a golf cart reportedly being driven by the Hall of Fame quarterback,” Schefter wrote. “Sperbeck was 62.”

The incident occurred this past Saturday in La Quinta, Calif. Sperbeck fell off the back of the moving vehicle and hit his head on asphalt. Elway, Sperbeck and their wives had been at the Stagecoach music festival earlier in the day, per a report from TMZ Sports. They were leaving a post-festival party when the accident happened.

Elway called 911 and Sperbeck was unconscious but still breathing when paramedics arrived. Sperbeck, 61, was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

According to TMZ Sports, “Multiple sources [told them] John was actually driving the golf cart, however, we have not been able to confirm that with Elway,” the report read. “There’s no indication he did anything wrong.”

More on John Elway, golf cart incident

Continuing, no one else was injured in the incident. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. 

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office was informed of the incident on Monday, April 28th, and opened an investigation,” public information officer Lt. Deirdre Vickers stated in an e-mail to 9NEWS. “At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and no details are available.”

Elway and Sperbeck remained business partners long after the former’s playing career. They started 7Cellars wine together in 2013 and work together with Elway restaurants. Sperbeck has been an NFL agent to more than 100 players, coaches and executives.

Elway, 64, won two Super Bowls during his 16-year career with the Denver Broncos. He served as the team’s general manager from 2011-2020. He became director of football operations in 2021 before transitioning to a consultant role until his contract expired in March 2023.

— On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.