Weeks before John Elway was reportedly behind the wheel of a golf cart crash that killed his friend and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, the NFL Hall of Famer was mourning the loss of his sister, Lee Ann Elway McCarthy.
Lee Ann died of pancreatic cancer on April 8 at her home in Lake Forest, California. She was 66 years old.
She is survived by her husband, Tony, her daughter, Kylee, her son, Patrick, her son-in-law, Serge, and three grandchildren.
Lee Ann was the oldest of the three Elway children, including John, 64, and his twin sister, Jana.
Jana died of lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 42. According to Lee Ann’s obituary, the death of Jana “deeply affected” her and inspired her to “to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“In her early 40s, she became a Registered Nurse, delivering compassionate care in various departments, but most notably, pediatric wards for children with severe disabilities,” her obituary read.
Later in life, Lee Ann “designed and manufactured a line of women’s robes and became an enthusiastic knitter, immersing herself in a hobby that brought her joy and satisfaction.”
Days after Lee Ann’s death, John was reportedly driving a golf cart in La Quinta, California on Saturday, April 26, when it crashed and sent Sperbeck, John’s longtime friend and business partner, to the ground.
Sperbeck sustained traumatic head injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in nearby Palm Springs, where he was put on life support and ultimately died on Wednesday, April 30.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has begun a “purely informational” look into Sperbeck’s death, according to TMZ. Investigators are reportedly in the process of conducting interviews to determine “if a criminal act occurred.”
John has reportedly secured the legal services of attorney Harvey Steinberg, who has previously represented former Denver Broncos players like Von Miller and Jerry Jeudy.
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During a 16-year NFL career, all with the Broncos, John won two Super Bowls. He later served as the team’s general manager and executive vice president before transitioning to a consultant role. His time with the Broncos organization ended in 2023.
John broke his silence about Sperbeck’s death in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” John 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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