Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a wrongful-death lawsuit over allegations he hit and killed a pedestrian near Los Angeles earlier this year due to “distracted driving.”
Filed in Los Angeles court on Wednesday (July 10), the suit alleges that Klinghoffer was driving a black 2022 GMC Yukon without license plates on March 18 in Alhambra, Calif., when he turned left and hit Israel, 47. Sanchez in a crosswalk. Sanchez later died from his injuries.
“Video of the incident shows that defendant Josh Adam Klinghoffer did not brake or slow down until after he fatally struck Israel Sanchez, indicating that the defendant was likely driving distracted,” attorneys for the victim's daughter, Ashley, wrote in the complaint. Advertising sign. “This horrific outcome was predictable and demonstrates a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others.”
Sanchez's attorneys claim they have video evidence showing Klinghoffer “using a device seconds before he crashed” on Sanchez.
The lawsuit claims that Klinghoffer was not arrested after the incident, left on a tour with his band and has never contacted Sanchez's family: “He has shown no remorse for his behavior.”
In a statement to Advertising signattorney for Klinghoffer Andrew Brettler he said: “It was a tragic accident. After that, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911 and waited for the police and ambulance to arrive. He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation.”
After serving as a touring guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the late 2000s, Klinghoffer joined the band as a full member in 2010 to replace longtime guitarist John Frusciante. But in 2019, after performing on two studio albums, he was fired by his bandmates after Frusciante opted to return to the group. He later served as a touring musician for Pearl Jam and has released solo material under the moniker Pluralone.
In technical terms, the lawsuit accuses Klinghoffer of wrongful death and negligence — meaning he allegedly knew what he was doing was dangerous, but did it anyway.
“Klinghoffer … focused more on his personal business than on acting as a responsible driver,” the lawsuit states. “These decisions resulted in the motor vehicle causing fatal injuries to the deceased, who
died a horrible and torturous death.”
The complaint does not specify the amount the family is seeking in monetary compensation.
