Golf Cart Death of John Elway’s Agent Appears to Be ‘Accident,’ Says Sheriff

• Jeff Sperbeck’s death after falling from a golf cart appears to be a “horrific accident,” Sheriff Chad Bianco said on Friday, May 2
• Bianco said the incident became “more of an issue than it probably should be” because of the “high-profile” status of John Elway, former Broncos quarterback
• Medical professionals found no evidence to suggest that Elway was inebriated at the time of the incident

The golf cart incident involving former NFL star John Elway that resulted in the death of his agent Jeff Sperbeck appears to be a “horrific accident,” the sheriff said.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told the Denver Post on May 2 that law enforcement has found “nothing” that suggests any criminal activity occurred when Sperbeck, 62, fell from a moving golf cart on Saturday, April 26 in La Quinta, Calif.

“This appears to be a horrific accident,” Bianco told the Post, noting that “a couple” of the people involved in the incident “happen to be very high-profile celebrities.”

“And that makes this more of an issue than it probably should be,” Bianco said on Friday.

The sheriff’s department received a “massive media inquiry” following the incident, Bianco told the outlet. “We’re doing everything we can to make sure that this is what it appears to be, and just an accident,” he added.

Additionally, the sheriff said medical professionals on the scene found no evidence to suggest that Elway, 64, was inebriated when his longtime agent fell off the golf cart and hit his head on the asphalt.

The sheriff’s department also conducted inspections on the golf cart to rule out any equipment malfunctions, Bianco told the Denver Post. He also said that it is “common practice for medical personnel” to call the sheriff “because something doesn’t look right.” But in this incident, Bianco said, “This was not the case.”

PEOPLE has contacted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for further information.

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Sperbeck had been transported to a local hospital in critical condition, per a Riverside County Sheriff news release, before dying on Wednesday, April 30 from his head injuries sustained during the fall.

Elway issued a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on April 30 after the death of his longtime friend. “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway’s statement began. “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. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others,” Elway concluded.