Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer was sued Wednesday for wrongful death, accusing him of negligent driving that led to the death of 47-year-old California grandfather Israel Sanchez.
According to the complaint filed in California Superior Court on behalf of Sanchez’s daughter Ashley, the incident occurred in March 2024, shortly before Klinghoffer was set to tour as a session musician for Pearl Jam. The complaint alleges that the guitarist, driving an SUV without license plates, was distracted by his phone and struck Sanchez, who was on his way to the grocery store to prepare a meal for his family. Sanchez died later that day from blunt force trauma from his injuries.
The complaint also alleges that Klinghoffer was not arrested after the incident and that he never contacted the family. It includes up to 20 people identified as agents, servants, employees and others associated with the musician.
“My father was known for being a great leader, the most talented in his family, the best grandfather, always full of love and joy,” Ashley Sanchez said in a statement. “His smile was so contagious. His life was taken away by the reckless act of one person who didn’t bother to watch where they were driving.”
“Mr. Klinghoffer must be arrested and charged with homicide. We have cell phone video of him striking and killing Israel Sanchez, a loving father, in a crosswalk,” added the family’s attorney, Nick Rowley.
The family is suing Klinghoffer for pain and suffering, medical expenses, attorney fees and other costs. They are currently seeking a jury trial. “This was a tragic accident,” Klinghoffer’s attorney said. Rolling stone“After which, Josh immediately stopped, stopped the vehicle, called 911 and waited for police and ambulance to arrive. He is cooperating fully with the traffic investigation.”
Klinghoffer was fired by his Chili Pepper bandmates in 2019 when their longtime guitarist John Frusciante opted to rejoin the band. He went solo shortly after under the name Pluralone, opening for Pearl Jam before rejoining the band in 2021. He is credited on their latest album, Black matter.
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News Source : www.rollingstone.com
