Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is being sued for wrongful death after striking and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle in a crosswalk in March.
According to a lawsuit obtained by TMZKlinghoffer, 44, who played with the band from 2009 to 2019, was driving a black GMC Yukon in Alhambra, California, when he made a left turn and struck a pedestrian who was using a crosswalk.
Klinghoffer’s lawyer, Andrew Brettler, told DailyMail.com that Klinghoffer was driving the vehicle and that the incident was a “tragic accident” and that the musician “fully cooperated” with the investigation.
The lawsuit identifies the pedestrian as Israel Sanchez, 47, and claims he was dragged across the asphalt during the collision and suffered blunt force trauma to the head, leading to his death hours later.
In a video obtained of the incident, a man is seen crossing the street at the crosswalk when a black pickup truck turns left.
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is being sued for wrongful death after striking and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle in a crosswalk in March (photo from 2018)
The lawsuit claims Klinghoffer failed to apply the brakes and also alleges he was “distracted while driving” because he was allegedly using his phone.
The lawsuit adds that the family has “video evidence” showing Klinghoffer using his phone just before the collision.
The video then shows the driver of the pickup truck stopping after hitting the pedestrian, before walking toward the body and then turning around and walking back to the vehicle.
The lawsuit claims that the Los Angeles police have not made any arrests in the case.
Brettler’s statement to DailyMail.com read: “This was a tragic accident. After the car struck the pedestrian, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911 and waited until the police and ambulance arrived.
“He is fully cooperating with the trafficking investigation.”
Attorney Nick Rowley, who represents Sanchez’s family, said in a statement obtained by Variety:’Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and charged with murder. We have video of him on his cell phone at the time he struck and killed Israel Sanchez, a loving father, at a crosswalk.
‘Israel Sanchez was on his way to the supermarket to make soup for his family and never returned home. He did everything right, paying attention to oncoming traffic and respecting pedestrian signals, but tragically, Mr Klinghoffer, who was in a hurry and on the phone, fatally hit him from behind with a large SUV.
According to a lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Klinghoffer, 44, who performed with the band from 2009 to 2019, was driving a black GMC Yukon in Alhambra, California, when he made a left turn and struck a pedestrian who was using a crosswalk (pictured in 2021).
Klinghoffer is pictured with Red Hot Chili Peppers members Chad Smith, Flea and Anthony Kiedis in 2014.
“The loss and grief the Sanchez family now faces is immense. We will not stop until there is accountability and justice for Mr. Sanchez and his family.”
Klinghoffer replaced John Frusciante in the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2009 and recorded two studio albums, I’m with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the B-sides compilation I’m Beside You (2013).
At age 32, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, making him the youngest inductee at the time.
After being kicked out of the group in 2019 following Frusciante’s return, he became a touring and session member of Pearl Jam (since 2021) and Jane’s Addiction (2023).
