Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit following a fatal accident in Alhambra, California, on March 18.
The family of Israel Sanchez , 47, who died after being hit by a car, claims the musician was on the phone and driving an SUV recklessly at the time of the accident.
According to reports from Variety and TMZ , Klinghoffer was making a left turn when he struck Sanchez. The man was crossing the street in a marked pedestrian crosswalk. Sanchez was taken to the hospital but did not survive his injuries.
What does the defense say?
The musician's lawyer, Andrew B. Brettler , issued a statement saying the accident was "tragic" and that the musician "fully cooperated with the investigation" and immediately called emergency services. Brettler did not comment on allegations that Klinghoffer was on the phone at the time of the accident.
The Sanchez family's lawyer, Nick Rowley , on the other hand, claims to have "video footage of the moment Klinghoffer ran over and killed Israel Sanchez." Rowley argues that Sanchez was fatally struck by Klinghoffer while driving a large SUV.
Klinghoffer was a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019 and was replaced by John Frusciante , who was in the band before Klinghoffer joined. Since leaving the band, he has remained active, performing as a touring member with Pearl Jam and Jane's Addiction .
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