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Photo Of John Elway Hours Before Friend's Tragic Death Has Surfaced

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 2, 2025 1:40 PM ET

Earlier this week the sports world was gutted for NFL legend John Elway as his close friend and agent Jeff Sperbeck lost his life in an accident.

According to TMZ, Elway seen at a party with celebrities and drinking something just hours before he was involved in the golf cart accident that killed Sperbeck. The photos were reportedly taken from a Saturday party at The Madison Club in La Quinta, California.

TMZ reported that Elway was at the bar at around 4:30 p.m. local time, it is unknown what he may have been drinking there. The accident occurred at around 6:50 p.m. when the golf cart Elway was driving with Sperbeck as a passenger crashed near the party venue. Sperbeck passed away from his injuries four days later.

The party itself is believed to have been the pregame for a local music festival. Other celebrities at the event include model Cindy Crawford and actor Ashton Kutcher.

Statement from John Elway:
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. 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… pic.twitter.com/idRixJ29Az
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2025

Elway released a statement after Sperbeck's passing, remarking on how "absolutely devastated and heartbroken" he was by the entire incident. He offered his sympathies to Sperbeck's family and loved ones.

"I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. 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," Elway said in a statement on Wednesday.

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 18: Executive vice president and general manager John Elway of the Denver Broncos is recognized during the pregame ceremony as his jersey number is retired before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Post reported on Wednesday that authorities are investigating the crash and Sperbeck's death.

"Riverside County sheriff’s officials in California confirmed Wednesday they are investigating the death of sports agent Jeff Sperbeck after he fell from a golf cart driven by Hall of Famer John Elway. The agency declined to release additional information," the Denver Post reported.

Riverside County sheriff’s officials in California confirmed Wednesday they are investigating the death of sports agent Jeff Sperbeck after he fell from a golf cart driven by Hall of Famer John Elway. The agency declined to release additional information. https://t.co/Fe40knlj0X
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) April 30, 2025