In a tragic turn of events, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer finds himself at the center of a wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal accident earlier this year. Klinghoffer, 44, is accused of running over and killing 47-year-old Israel Sanchez in a crosswalk, a devastating incident that has rocked the Los Angeles community.
According to a lawsuit obtained by the LA Times, Klinghoffer was driving a black GMC Yukon on March 18 when he allegedly struck Sanchez at the intersection of West Main Street and Meridian Avenue in Alhambra, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The lawsuit, filed by Sanchez’s daughter, Ashley Sanchez, claims that the guitarist “thrown and/or dragged” her father across the asphalt, causing blunt force trauma to the head. Sanchez lay on the pavement until medical transport arrived.
Disturbing video footage obtained by TMZ shows the SUV making a left turn at the intersection and hitting Sanchez. After the impact, the driver, identified as Klinghoffer, pulled over, walked to the body, and then quickly returned to his vehicle. Sanchez was rushed to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of the incident, alleging that Klinghoffer showed no signs of braking or slowing down before the impact, suggesting that he might have been distracted while driving. “This horrible outcome was foreseeable and demonstrates a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others,” the lawsuit states.
Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, has described the incident as a “tragic accident,” emphasizing that his client fully cooperated with police and called 911 immediately after the accident. “After Josh struck this pedestrian in the intersection, he immediately pulled over, stopped the car, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived,” Brettler shared with TMZ.
Despite this, the lawsuit underscores the family’s grief and anger. Ashley Sanchez, in a heartfelt statement to People, reminisced about her father’s life and the profound loss she feels. “My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy,” she said. “His smile was so infectious. His life was taken by a careless act of a person who didn’t bother to look where he was driving.”
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages to cover funeral, burial, and medical expenses, as well as compensation for attorney fees, pain, and the loss of her father’s companionship and support. The amount sought by Sanchez’s daughter has not been specified.
Josh Klinghoffer, who is currently touring with Pearl Jam, is best known for his decade-long stint with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019. During his tenure, he recorded two studio albums and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, making him the youngest inductee at the time. Since leaving the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Klinghoffer has continued his musical career, touring and recording with notable acts like Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop, and Jane’s Addiction.
This incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Klinghoffer’s career, with the lawsuit highlighting the serious consequences of distracted driving and the devastating impact it can have on families. As the case progresses, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the tragic cost of negligence behind the wheel.
