Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is being sued for wrongful death after he allegedly struck a pedestrian with his car.
According to the newly filed lawsuit, Klinghoffer allegedly drove a black GMC Yukon into 47-year-old Israel Sanchez as he was crossing the street in Alhambra, California, in March. TMZ The incident was reported on Wednesday. According to court documents, Sanchez was dragged across the asphalt during the accident and suffered blunt force trauma to his head. He died from his injuries several hours later. According to TMZ, the lawsuit claims that the famous guitarist did not attempt to brake and was distracted while driving when he allegedly struck the victim.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – FEBRUARY 2, 2014: Flea, Chad Smith, Anthony Kiedis and Josh Klinghoffer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on February 2, 2014. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
According to TMZ, the LAPD investigated the matter, but the complaint notes no arrests have been made.
According to a clip shared by TMZ, video footage of the incident shows a man crossing the street just before a black SUV struck him.
The video shows the driver of the car stopping in the road and walking towards the body in the road, then turning around and walking back to his car.
MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE – JUNE 10: Red Hot Chili Peppers recording artist Josh Klinghoffer performs onstage at the What Stage during day three of the 2017 Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee on June 10, 2017. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival/Getty Images)
Klinghoffer's lawyer, Andrew Brettler, issued a statement to reporters.
“It was a tragic accident,” he said.
“After striking the pedestrian at the intersection, Josh immediately pulled over to the side of the road, stopped his vehicle, called 911 and waited for police and an ambulance to arrive,” Brettler said.
According to TMZ, he reiterated, “Obviously, we're cooperating with police during the traffic accident investigation. This was purely a tragic accident.”
Klinghoffer was the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2012. He has since been a touring member of Pearl Jam and Jane's Addiction, according to TMZ. (RELATED: 'There was blood everywhere': Zach Bryan's girlfriend details horrific car crash)
The man's family is suing the famous artist for negligence, wrongful death and damages.
This story continues to unfold.
