The John Elway Golf Cart Accident: Lessons in Golf Cart Safety

The John Elway Golf Cart Accident: Golf Cart Safety

Every so often, a devastating accident reminds us just how quickly a day on a seemingly serene golf course can turn tragic. This was the case recently, when a golf cart ride ended in the death of a beloved public figure.

What Happened: The John Elway Golf Cart Incident

In April of 2025, tragedy struck at a Southern California golf resort when Jeff Sperbeck fell out of a golf cart being driven by football hall of famer John Elway, hitting the back of his head on the ground when he fell. Unfortunately, despite Elway calling 911 right away, Sperbeck did not survive his injuries.

Investigators quickly determined that Sperbeck’s death was no more than a tragic accident, although it isn’t entirely understood what caused Sperbeck (Elway’s longtime friend, former agent, and business advisor) to fall off the cart. This incident has highlighted the importance of golf cart safety not just for players but also for families and even experienced golf professionals — as an accident like this could happen to anybody.

Why Golf Cart Safety Matters

Despite their convenience for getting around golf courses and communities, golf cart safety is often overlooked. At the end of the day, golf carts are still vehicles that can pose a significant hazard to life and property if proper precautions are not taken.

Even in the case of the tragic John Elway golf cart accident, where the driver was not found to have committed any wrongdoing, the lack of standard seatbelts in golf carts makes it surprisingly easy for a driver or passenger to experience a dangerous fall from the vehicle.

While every accident may not be 100% preventable, anyone who operates or rides as a passenger in a golf cart should brush up on some safety tips and best practices from time to time.

Common Golf Cart Hazards

First, it’s essential to understand the inherent hazards that can come along with driving (or riding in) a golf cart. In addition to lacking the kinds of safety features standard in many other vehicles (such as seatbelts and airbags), their light weight and high center of gravity make them more prone to rollover accidents.

Combine this with the fact that golf carts are often driven outside of designated paths and roads, and it’s easy to see the inherent risk of collision with other vehicles, objects, and even pedestrians. This can be especially true on a busy golf course.

Best Practices for Golf Cart Safety

Below are some tips that all golf cart drivers and riders should keep in mind in regard to golf cart safety.

1. Always Stay Seated

When a golf cart is in motion, stay seated and do not make any attempts to stand up or move seats. When standing on a golf cart, even a small bump could jostle the cart enough to make you lose your balance and fall off.

2. Respect Capacity Limits

Golf carts do have weight limits, yet these are rarely respected. Overloaded golf carts can increase the risk of a rollover, so be sure to heed all posted capacity and weight limits (and don’t forget to account for the weight of any gear on board).

3. Drive With Caution

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. As convenient as golf carts are for navigating courses, remember that these are still vehicles often weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and obstacles, paying special attention to any blind spots.

4. Use Safety Equipment

While not all golf carts are equipped with seat belts, some are. Make full use of any and all safety equipment available on the cart, and encourage passengers to do the same. In addition to seat belts, mirrors and horns can be particularly useful in staying safe.

5. Follow Local Laws

Be aware of your local laws, especially when it comes to driving a golf cart on public roads. This may be particularly important if you live in a golf course community, where it is common to see residents driving golf carts locally. Though this may be legal in some areas, laws can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to the next.

6. Protect Children

When using a golf cart, always take extra precautions to keep children safe. Ensure that all kids aboard are responsible enough to follow basic safety rules, like staying seated for the entire ride and using seat belts (where available). Instruct children to keep their arms and legs inside the cart at all times.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Unfortunately, even when following these basic golf cart safety tips, accidents and emergencies can still happen. Be prepared by keeping a first aid kit stocked in your golf cart, and have a reliable means of calling for help if needed.

Lessons for Golf Professionals

Even for golf professionals who have plenty of experience driving and riding in golf carts, the tragic accident involving Jeffrey Sperbeck reminds us that golf cart safety should be at the forefront of every trip to the course. Golf professionals can do their part to reduce the risk of golf cart accidents and injuries by:

Educating players and guests — and speaking up if someone is using a golf cart unsafely.
Developing and enforcing safety protocols, particularly for golf course managers.
Balancing convenience with liability by understanding the inherent risks and having proper insurance coverage on golf carts.
Staying updated on regulations, including local laws regarding the use of golf carts, as they can (and do) change often.

Frequently Asked Questions About the John Elway Golf Cart Accident

What caused the John Elway golf cart accident?

While it is still unknown what caused Jeffrey Sperbeck to fall out of the golf cart, what is understood is that he fell off the back of the cart while it was in motion — hitting his head and dying from blunt force trauma injuries.

Did John Elway face any charges after the golf cart accident?

No. John Elway has not faced any charges following the accident because there was no evidence of criminal activity.

Was John Elway found legally responsible for the golf cart accident?

John Elway was cleared of wrongdoing in an investigation following the accident. No evidence of foul play, intoxication, or mechanical malfunction was found.

Has the investigation into the John Elway golf cart accident been officially closed?

Yes, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco closed the investigation in July 2025 without criminal charges, deeming Sperbeck’s death a “tragic accident” with no evidence of criminal activity.

Interested in a Career in Golf?

Golf, like any sport, isn’t just about fun and recreation. There are crucial safety considerations that all players are responsible for following — and that’s especially true when it comes to operating golf carts. The unfortunate accident involving Jeffrey Sperbeck has reiterated the need for caution when operating or riding in a golf cart. In light of this, those who keep in mind the above safety reminders could help prevent a future accident.

Interested in a career in golf? Keiser University College of Golf offers a number of degree options to suit your needs, so get in touch to learn more or apply now.