The death of NFL star John Elway’s pal Jeff Sperbeck appeared to be a “horrific accident,” according to authorities.
Investigators told the Denver Post “nothing” they have discovered leads them to believe the head injury Sperbeck suffered after falling out of a golf cart allegedly driven by Elway is a law enforcement issue.
According to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the Saturday night mishap in La Quinta, Calif., that led to Sperbeck dying in an area hospital early Wednesday morning after hitting his head on asphalt has been blown out of proportion because it involved a famous football player and a prominent NFL agent.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that this is what it appears to be, and just an accident,” Bianco assured the Post.
Sperbeck, 62, fell backwards while riding shotgun on a private golf club in La Quinta, TMZ reported.
Elway reportedly called 911 to say his friend and business partner was breathing but unconscious. Paramedics rushed Sperbeck to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs where he was placed on life support.
Elway, 64, told the Post he was heartbroken by Sperbeck’s death.
“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,” he said.
Police said, according to first responders, there was no indication Elway was driving under the influence when Sperbeck was injured.
