NFL legend John Elway was enjoying a lively afternoon among celebrities at a posh party just two hours before a tragic golf cart accident that led to the death of his close friend and longtime business associate, Jeff Sperbeck.
TMZ Sports obtained exclusive photos showing the 64-year-old Hall of Fame quarterback at The Madison Club, a luxury golf community in La Quinta, California, on Saturday, April 27. Elway was spotted around 4:30 PM, casually dressed in a red-and-gray checkered shirt and white ballcap, laughing and mingling near the bar area with other guests.
A Celebrity-Filled Afternoon Ahead of Stagecoach Festival
The gathering, described by attendees as a pre-Stagecoach Festival party, included other notable celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Ashton Kutcher, according to witnesses. Elway was reportedly in good spirits, sipping from a styrofoam cup, though it’s unclear what he was drinking. Sources confirm Elway arrived around 4 PM and was still socializing by 5:15 PM.
The mood would soon turn tragic.
Tragedy Strikes After the Party
Just over an hour later, at approximately 6:50 PM, Elway was reportedly driving a golf cart with Sperbeck as a passenger when the accident occurred. Sperbeck, 62, suffered a severe head injury after falling from the moving cart. He was rushed to a hospital but tragically died on April 30.
The incident took place not far from the upscale party venue and has since become the subject of an official investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Ongoing Investigation, No Charges Filed Yet
Authorities are currently reviewing the case and say they will take “appropriate action based on the outcome” of their probe. So far, no signs of foul play or criminal wrongdoing have been reported, and Elway has not been charged or cited in connection with the fatal incident.
Elway Mourns His Friend
Following the heartbreaking news, Elway released a public statement expressing his sorrow over the tragic loss:
“I am devastated and heartbroken. 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.”
Sperbeck was more than a friend—he was also Elway’s longtime business manager and agent, a trusted figure in both the sports and entertainment industries.
