Josh Klinghoffer, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist and current touring member of Pearl Jam, has been sued for wrongful death and negligence after hitting a pedestrian with his SUV in Los Angeles in March.
The lawsuit was first reported by TMZwho confirmed through Klinghoffer's attorney that the guitarist was indeed behind the wheel when the crash occurred on March 18, 2024. Video obtained by TMZ shows Klinghoffer's black GMC Yukon was making a left turn at a crosswalk in Alhambra, California, when it struck the victim, identified as 47-year-old Israel Sanchez.
The video shows the car hitting and dragging Sanchez, after which Klinghoffer exits his vehicle, walks to the body and returns to his car. Sanchez received severe head trauma and succumbed to his injuries approximately two hours later.
The lawsuit alleges that Klinghoffer failed to brake at all and was “distracted” while behind the wheel. The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet made any arrests in this case, but the victim’s family is suing Klinghoffer for negligence and wrongful death, and they are pursuing him for damages.
Klinghoffer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, told TMZ: “This was a tragic accident. After Josh hit this pedestrian at the intersection, he immediately pulled over, stopped the car, called 911 and waited until the police and ambulance arrived. He's obviously cooperating with the police throughout the traffic investigation. This was purely a tragic accident.”
Klinghoffer played with Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, replacing guitarist John Frusciante. He has since joined Jane's Addiction and Pearl Jam as a touring member and is currently touring with Pearl Jam.
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