Josh Klinghoffer, former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is facing a wrongful death lawsuit following a tragic incident earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles court on July 10, alleges that Klinghoffer struck and killed a pedestrian, Israel Sanchez, due to distracted driving.
The incident occurred on March 18 in Alhambra, California. According to the lawsuit, Klinghoffer was driving a black 2022 GMC Yukon without license plates when he made a left turn and hit Sanchez, who was in a crosswalk. Sanchez, 47, later died from his injuries.
Lawyers for Sanchez’s daughter, Ashley, claim they have video evidence showing Klinghoffer using a device “mere seconds” before the collision. The video reportedly shows that Klinghoffer did not brake or slow down until after hitting Sanchez, suggesting he was distracted at the time.
“This horrible outcome was foreseeable and demonstrates a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others,” the complaint states. The lawsuit accuses Klinghoffer of wrongful death and negligence, alleging that he was more focused on his personal business than on driving responsibly.
Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, responded to the allegations, stating, “This was a tragic accident. After which, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation.”
Despite this, the lawsuit claims that Klinghoffer was not arrested after the incident and left for a tour with his band without reaching out to Sanchez’s family. “He has shown no remorse for his behavior,” the complaint alleges.
The lawsuit does not specify the amount of monetary damages being sought by Sanchez’s family. However, it emphasizes the emotional and financial toll the incident has taken on them. Ashley Sanchez described her father as a loving and talented individual whose life was cut short by a careless act.
Klinghoffer, who joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a full-time member in 2010, was fired from the band in 2019 when longtime guitarist John Frusciante returned. Since then, Klinghoffer has toured with Pearl Jam and released solo material under the pseudonym Pluralone.
The lawsuit has garnered significant media attention, with various outlets reporting on the details of the case. The video evidence, which reportedly shows Klinghoffer using a device while driving, has been a focal point of the coverage.
Nick Rowley, the attorney representing the Sanchez family, has been vocal about the need for accountability. “Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and prosecuted for homicide. We have a video of him on his cell phone at the time he hit and killed Israel Sanchez, a loving father, in a crosswalk,” Rowley told Variety.
Rowley added that Sanchez was on his way to the grocery store to make soup for his family when the incident occurred. “He did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage, but tragically Mr. Klinghoffer, in a rush and on his phone, hit him fatally from behind with a large SUV,” Rowley said.
The lawsuit also names up to 20 other individuals associated with Klinghoffer, although their identities have not been disclosed. The complaint seeks a jury trial and includes claims for pain and suffering, medical costs, legal fees, and more.
The Alhambra Police Department has stated that the case is still active, and they have not made any arrests. Police spokesperson Sgt. Brian Chung declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
Klinghoffer is currently on tour with Pearl Jam and has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. His attorney maintains that Klinghoffer is cooperating fully with the investigation and that the incident was a tragic accident.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact they will have on Klinghoffer’s career and personal life. The Sanchez family, meanwhile, continues to seek justice and accountability for the loss of their loved one.
Source: Billboard, Variety, TMZ, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, AP
