Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a lawsuit for wrongful death and negligence following a tragic incident earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed by Ashley Sanchez, daughter of the deceased Israel Sanchez, alleges that Klinghoffer hit Israel while he was walking in a crosswalk.
The accident occurred on March 18 in Los Angeles, where Klinghoffer is accused of driving a black SUV without license plates. The lawsuit claims that Klinghoffer was texting and driving when he turned at a stoplight and struck Sanchez in the crosswalk.
Details of the Incident
Video footage obtained from a neighbor’s Ring camera shows a black car hitting Israel Sanchez. The footage, presented by the plaintiffs, appears to capture the driver holding an object above the steering wheel. The lawsuit states that Sanchez suffered blunt force trauma to the head and succumbed to his injuries a few hours later in the hospital.
Ashley Sanchez, in a news release, described her father as a beloved chef and grandfather. “My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy. His smile was so infectious. His life was taken by a careless act of a person who didn’t bother to look where he was driving,” she said.
Legal Proceedings and Accusations
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, alleges that Klinghoffer was negligent and distracted at the time of the incident. The Associated Press reported that the suit specifically accuses Klinghoffer of texting while driving, a claim supported by the video evidence showing the driver’s actions just before the collision.
Klinghoffer, who was with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, is currently on tour with Pearl Jam. There has been no public comment from Klinghoffer or his representatives regarding the lawsuit.
Pearl Jam’s Recent Cancellations
In related news, Pearl Jam, with whom Klinghoffer is touring, has recently faced a series of concert cancellations. The band canceled their July 2 and 3 shows in Berlin and an earlier concert in London in June due to an unspecified illness within the group.
Eddie Vedder and the members of Pearl Jam have been dealing with ongoing health issues, which have impacted their Dark Matter World Tour. These cancellations have been a significant disappointment for fans, though the band has emphasized the necessity of prioritizing health and recovery.
The case against Klinghoffer is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will impact his tour commitments and public image. The family of Israel Sanchez seeks justice and accountability for the loss of their loved one.
