John Elway released a statement on Wednesday afternoon about Jeff Sperbeck, the business partner and dear friend. “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway wrote. “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.
However, one eyewitness has leaked what Elway was doing moments after the incident occurred.
Eyewitness Leaks What John Elway Was Doing Moments After His Friend Fell To His Death (Report)
Approximately a minute after the fatal tumble, a female eyewitness arrived on the scene. Here’s what she says:
EXCLUSIVE: Eyewitness details events of golf cart accident over the weekend in La Quinta involving NFL legend John Elway and longtime agent/business partner Jeff Sperbeck who is in critical care at this time. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/iU17lX18Md
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) April 30, 2025
According to Lou Flavius of Total Pro Sports:
Meanwhile, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, per TMZ, though there’s no indication that Elway had been driving negligently.
The former NFL star was at the wheel, with Sperbeck in the passenger seat, having left a party in La Quinta along with their spouses.
Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990 and worked as an agent for over 100 NFL players over the course of his career. The two remained friends and went into business together after Elway’s Hall of Fame career, teaming up with winemaker Rob Mondavi to co-found 7Cellars by John Elway.
The former agent also co-founded the sports marketing firm Sullivan & Sperbeck, which was bought over by Octagon in 2001.
“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.”
The Broncos selected Elway as their first pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. As a player, he won Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, while as an executive, he won Super Bowl 50.
