Pink Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer charged with hit-and-run murder of California man Israel Sanchez: documents

Former Pink Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a wrongful death lawsuit after he is accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian at a crosswalk earlier this year, according to reports.

According to a lawsuit obtained by the LA Times, Klinghoffer, 44, was allegedly behind the wheel of a idling GMC Yukon when he fatally struck 47-year-old Israel Sanchez on March 18.

The lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Grand Court by the victim’s daughter, Ashley Sanchez, claims the guitarist “threw and/or dragged” her father “across the asphalt,” where “he suffered blunt force trauma to his head.” , and lay on the sidewalk until medical transport arrived.

Video of the alleged crash, obtained via TMZ, shows the idling SUV overturning left at the intersection of West Primary Boulevard and Meridian Street in Alhambra, Cali. – a native of Los Angeles – and next up is Sanchez.

Close to hitting the 47-year-old, the driver of the SUV was apparently pulling over, walking toward the frame, turning around, and briefly walking back toward the car.

Sanchez was hurried to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena – about 3 miles from the collision – at 5:28 p.m., where he later died of his injuries.

The lawsuit states, “Video of the incident shows that defendant Josh Adam Klinghoffer did not brake or slow down until after he fatally struck Israel Sanchez, indicating that the defendant possibly drove while distracted. Had been.”

“This terrible outcome was foreseeable and reflects a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others.”

According to Fox11, Sanchez was on his way to pack groceries when he had an accident.

Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, told TMZ that it was “purely a tragic accident.”

“After Josh hit this pedestrian in the intersection, he immediately stopped the car, called 911, and waited until the police and ambulance arrived,” Brettler shared.

The rock guitarist’s lawyer said his client “obviously” cooperated with police during the traffic investigation.

The lawsuit claims police have not made or initiated any arrests in the case.

“My father was known as a great chef, the most talented person in his family, and the greatest grandfather who was always full of love and joy,” Ashley Sanchez said in a statement to the public.

“His smile was very infectious. His life was taken because of the careless actions of a man who didn’t bother to look where he was driving.”

Klinghoffer is being sued for negligence and wrongful death.

Ashley Sanchez publicly stated that she was facing a jury for her father’s funeral, burial and funeral bills, legal professional charges and pain, and her father’s lack of “love, cooperation, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection.” Is demanding trial and compensation. Society and moral support.”

The suit did not list the amount being sought by the victim’s daughter.

Klinghoffer is a touring guitarist with Pearl Jam on their 2024 tour, which began on May 4 in Vancouver, Canada and will end on November 23 in Sydney, Australia.

The LA local rocker is particularly known for his performances with the Pink Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019. He replaced guitarist and former Ataxia bandmate John Frusciante from the Extra Rock-Funk team during his second episode.

In 2012, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Popularity with the band, making him the youngest inductee at the age of 32.

Throughout her time with the Pink Scorching Chili Peppers, she recorded two studio albums, I’m With You (2011) and The Flaying (2016).

Since rejoining Frusciante’s band in 2019, Klinghoffer has toured and recorded with Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop, and Jane’s Habit.