Johnny Bananas and John Elway Involved in Serious Golf Cart Accident
Reality television personality Johnny Bananas was allegedly in a golf cart with John Elway during the accident that tragically resulted in the death of his longtime agent, Jeff Sperbeck.
Bananas, whose real name is John Devenanzio, is widely recognized for his extensive presence on MTV’s The Challenge. On Friday, May 2, TMZ reported that he “attempted to keep [Sperbeck] alive” following his fall from the golf cart that Elway, 64, was operating in La Quinta, California on Saturday, April 26.
Sperbeck, who sustained severe head injuries, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, at the age of 62.
According to TMZ, both Sperbeck and Bananas, 42, were “standing on the back of the cart while Elway drove, with his wife seated in the front.” A source described the incident as a “freak accident” and clarified that Elway was neither speeding nor driving recklessly.
Elway’s son, Jack Elway, is a friend of Bananas. The group had gathered in the California desert for the Stagecoach Festival the weekend before. Jack was also present in the golf cart as they returned from a Stagecoach event on the night of the incident.
Us Weekly has contacted Bananas and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for a statement.
On Friday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco informed The Denver Post that “we found nothing” indicating the need for law enforcement involvement.
“This looks like a tragic accident,” Bianco expressed. “Unfortunately, given the high-profile nature of some of those involved, this is more significant than it may ordinarily be.”
Elway called 911 immediately following the incident, but first responders did not reach out to the sheriff’s department until several days later. Bianco noted that the department got involved after receiving a “massive media inquiry” once it became public that the renowned Denver Broncos quarterback was part of the incident.
“It is standard procedure for medical responders—whether from an ambulance, hospital, or fire team—to notify us after an accident scene if something seems amiss,” Bianco explained. “However, that did not occur in this case.”
Bianco said the medical personnel at the scene found no indications of Elway being intoxicated, although he did not provide details on how that conclusion was reached. It remains unclear whether Elway underwent a breathalyzer test.
Denver’s 9News reported on Thursday, May 1, that Elway engaged the services of Denver-based attorney Harvey Steinberg following Sperbeck’s death.
Steinberg has “extensive experience representing celebrities who have faced legal issues, including numerous Denver Broncos,” the network noted.
Sperbeck was reportedly still alive when paramedics arrived and was placed on life support after being taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in nearby Palm Springs.
The sports agent had represented Elway since 1990, developing a close friendship that led to the co-founding of the wine brand 7Cellars in 2015.
“I am completely devastated and heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, partner, and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway stated on Wednesday. “No words can encapsulate the deep sadness I feel over the abrupt departure of someone who has been so meaningful to me.”
He added, “My heart goes out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam, and Jackson; and all those who knew and cherished him. Jeff’s loyalty, wisdom, friendship, and love will be profoundly missed.”
