Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a wrongful death lawsuit following the death of a pedestrian in Alhambra, California. The incident occurred in March when 47-year-old Israel Sanchez was struck by a black GMC Yukon while in a crosswalk. Sanchez was dragged and died hours later from blunt force trauma to the head.
Ashley Sanchez, the victim’s daughter, filed the lawsuit, alleging Klinghoffer was using a cellphone while driving. Video footage reportedly shows the driver holding an object above the steering wheel. The lawsuit also claims that the driver should have seen Sanchez due to the large grassy median.
“My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy,” Ashley Sanchez said in a news release. She described the incident as a “careless act” that took her father’s life.
Klinghoffer, who was with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, left the band and has toured with other major acts, including Jane’s Addiction and Pearl Jam. Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, stated, “It was a tragic 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. Obviously, he’s cooperating with the police throughout the traffic investigation. This was purely a tragic accident.”
This case has raised questions about the responsibility of drivers and the safety measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.