Josh Klinghoffer, former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and current touring member of Pearl Jam, finds himself at the center of a tragic legal battle. The 44-year-old musician is facing a wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal collision with a pedestrian in Los Angeles on March 18.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Ashley Sanchez, daughter of the deceased, describes the grim details of the events that unfolded that fateful day. Israel Sanchez, 47, was reportedly en route to a local grocery store to gather ingredients for a family meal when the accident occurred. According to court documents, per NBC News, Sanchez was traversing a designated crosswalk near the intersection of Meridian Avenue and West Main Street in Alhambra, California, when Klinghoffer’s vehicle struck him.
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The legal complaint alleges that Klinghoffer, operating a 2022 GMC Yukon SUV without license plates, made a left turn and collided with Sanchez from behind. The suit contends that the musician had ample opportunity to avoid the collision, with over 40 feet of driving space and more than 10 seconds to notice the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The lawsuit claims that Klinghoffer made no attempt to apply the brakes before impact.
One of the most damning accusations in the lawsuit suggests that Klinghoffer may have been “likely driving while distracted” or even “using a device mere seconds before” the fatal turn. The legal team representing the Sanchez family has provided photographic evidence that appears to show Klinghoffer holding an object just seconds before the incident, reports The Mirror.
The aftermath of the collision was devastating. Israel reportedly suffered “excruciating” injuries after being “thrown and/or dragged across the asphalt.” Despite emergency medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries approximately two and a half hours later at a nearby hospital. The primary cause of death was identified as a severe head trauma sustained during the impact, according to NBC News.
In response to the allegations, Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, has described the incident as a “tragic accident.” Brettler told The Mirror that his client took immediate action following the collision, stating, “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.” The lawyer noted Klinghoffer’s ongoing cooperation with the traffic investigation, adding, “Obviously, he’s cooperating with the police throughout the traffic investigation. This was purely a tragic accident.”
However, the Sanchez family’s legal representation paints a different picture. Attorney Nick Rowley has called for Klinghoffer’s arrest and prosecution on homicide charges. Rowley insists that Israel Sanchez “did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage,” placing the blame squarely on Klinghoffer’s alleged recklessness and inattention, reports NBC News.
The lawsuit further alleges that Klinghoffer has shown no remorse for the incident and has made no effort to reach out to the bereaved family. This perceived lack of empathy has only intensified the family’s pursuit of justice and accountability.
Ashley Sanchez, in her statement to the press, described her father, Israel, as “a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy.” She added, “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 legal action seeks a jury trial and aims to secure compensation for a range of damages. These include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before Israel’s passing, legal fees, and compensation for the profound loss of “love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society and moral support” that Ashley Sanchez has endured with her father’s untimely death, reports the outlet.
As the case unfolds, it has cast a shadow over Klinghoffer’s musical career. The guitarist, who spent a decade with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, is currently on tour with Pearl Jam. The timing of the lawsuit and its potential implications for his professional commitments remain uncertain.
