Josh Klinghoffer, a renowned guitarist who has played with Pearl Jam, Jane’s Addiction, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is facing a lawsuit for wrongful death and negligence following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Klinghoffer was involved in a fatal vehicular accident in Alhambra, California, which led to the death of 47-year-old Israel Sanchez.
The lawsuit, brought forth by Ashley Sanchez, the only child of Israel Sanchez, claims that Klinghoffer was distracted by his cell phone while driving an SUV. On March 18, Israel Sanchez was reportedly on his way to a grocery store when he was struck by Klinghoffer’s vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk. The suit details that Sanchez had stopped at the corner to ensure traffic had cleared before proceeding. As he was halfway across the crosswalk, Klinghoffer, driving a 2022 GMC Yukon, made a left turn and struck Sanchez in the back.
Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, described the incident as a “tragic accident.” Brettler stated that after the collision, Klinghoffer immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited for the police and ambulance to arrive. He emphasized that Klinghoffer is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation.
However, the Sanchez family attorney, Nick Rowley, has called for Klinghoffer to be arrested and prosecuted for homicide. Rowley asserted that Sanchez had followed all street laws, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage. He accused Klinghoffer of being in a rush and distracted by his phone, leading to the fatal accident. Rowley emphasized the immense loss and grief faced by the Sanchez family and vowed to seek accountability and justice for Israel Sanchez.
The lawsuit also highlights that Sanchez was pronounced dead at a hospital approximately two and a half hours after the collision. Ashley Sanchez is seeking a jury trial and damages, which could include funeral, burial, and medical expenses, attorney fees, and compensation for the loss of her father’s companionship, care, love, and protection.
Video evidence provided by the law firm representing Ashley Sanchez appears to show Klinghoffer stopping his vehicle after striking Sanchez. A still photo from the video seems to capture Klinghoffer holding an object, which attorneys claim is a cell phone, mere seconds before the collision. The lawsuit alleges that Klinghoffer had more than 40 feet of driving space and over 10 seconds to realize a pedestrian was in the crosswalk but made no effort to brake.
Ashley Sanchez described her father as a great chef, a loving grandpa, and a person full of love and joy. She expressed her devastation over losing her father to what she described as a careless act by Klinghoffer, who she claims did not bother to look where he was driving.
Klinghoffer, who was the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, has also toured with Jane’s Addiction and Pearl Jam. He is currently on tour with Pearl Jam. The lawsuit notes that after the incident, Klinghoffer did not contact the Sanchez family or show any remorse.
Representatives for Pearl Jam did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear which police agency investigated the death, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The Sanchez family is pursuing damages for pain and suffering, medical costs, attorney fees, and more. They are asking for a jury trial to seek justice for Israel Sanchez. Klinghoffer’s attorney reiterated that the guitarist is cooperating with the investigation and described the incident as a tragic accident.
Klinghoffer, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, has continued his music career as a solo artist under the name Pluralone and as a touring member of Pearl Jam. Despite his musical achievements, this lawsuit brings a significant legal challenge as the Sanchez family seeks accountability for the loss of their loved one.
Source: NBC News, Variety, Rolling Stone, TMZ
