911 audio from the fatal golf cart accident involving NFL legend John Elway and his friend Jeff Sperbeck gave a glimpse into the scene’s chaotic aftermath.
During the call, obtained by TMZ, Elway, 65, told the dispatcher, “We were on a golf cart and he fell off the golf cart.”
In the heavily-redacted call, Elway was asked if the golf cart “ran into anything.”
“No, he fell off the golf cart,” Elway said. “He was on the back and he fell off the golf cart.”
Elway told the dispatcher that no chemicals or other hazards were involved in the accident.
Unknown individuals can be heard pleading with Sperbeck in the background. “Jeff, Jeff,” a male voice said, while a woman said, “Come on, baby.”
Sperbeck’s wife, Cori Sperbeck, was also riding on the golf cart at the time of the crash.
As the dispatcher attempted to give Elway instructions to assist Sperbeck’s breathing, he told the NFL Hall of Famer not to move Sperbeck’s body for fear of causing any additional harm or bodily injury.
In a rush of commotion, an unknown man took the phone from Elway and told the dispatcher that there was “a medic on scene.”
“Our paramedics and fire engines have been dispatched to the location,” the dispatcher told the man. “Help is on the way. If he gets worse in any way, call us back immediately for further instructions.”
Sperbeck fell off a golf cart driven by Elway in La Quinta, California, on April 26. He sustained blunt force trauma to his head and was pronounced dead at a local hospital on April 30.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office closed their investigation into the accident on Monday, July 14, calling it “a tragic accident with no evidence of criminal activity or intent.”
No criminal charges will be filed against Elway or any other party involved in the incident.
Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco had previously stated that there were no signs Elway was intoxicated at the time of the accident, and there was no evidence the golf cart had malfunctioned.
Elway and Sperbeck’s professional relationship started in 1990, when Sperbeck began working as Elway’s agent. In 2015, Elway and Sperbeck cofounded the wine brand, 7Cellars.
The two-time Super Bowl champion, who played all 16 of his NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, issued a statement about Sperbeck shortly after his death.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said. “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 continued, “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.”
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