Local police say there is no evidence of a crime following a tragic golf cart accident involving NFL legend John Elway and his late agent, Jeff Sperbeck.
Sperbeck died from injuries sustained after falling from the back of a golf cart driven by Elway, 64, in La Quinta, California, on April 26. He suffered traumatic head injuries and was pronounced dead on April 30. The sports agent was 62.
On Thursday, May 29, TMZ reported that local law enforcement within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office had interviewed all potential witnesses to the accident and determined that “there is no evidence or statement to indicate this is nothing more than a tragic accident.”
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told the outlet, “We determined the case would remain open until we contacted all residents who might have video of the path traveled.”
Bianco’s latest remarks echo comments he made earlier this month following Sperbeck’s death.
Bianco told The Denver Post on May 2 that “nothing that we have found” indicated law enforcement needed to be involved.
“This appears to be a horrific accident,” Bianco said. “And unfortunately for all of those involved, one of the people – well, a couple of them – happen to be very high-profile celebrities. And that makes this more of an issue than it probably should be.”
Earlier this month, TMZ reported that Sperbeck’s cause of death was ruled as blunt head trauma, citing the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. His death was ruled an accident.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said in a statement on April 30. “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,” the statement continued. “Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”
Sperbeck’s family also issued a statement about the longtime sports agent’s death the same day.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck. He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all,” the family said. “We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends the Elways and the many other clients Jeff called friends.”
