Ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer Sued for Wrongful Death and Negligence

The artist ran over a pedestrian while driving in March

Photo: Ming Wu

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Jul 10, 2024

Josh Klinghoffer, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist and current touring member of Pearl Jam, has been sued for wrongful death and negligence following an accident involving a pedestrian in Los Angeles back in March.

TMZ confirmed with Klinghoffer's attorney that the artist was behind the wheel of a vehicle that ran over and killed a pedestrian in Alhambra, CA, earlier this year.

The outlet reports that, according to a lawsuit, Klinghoffer was driving a black GMC Yukon SUV when he made a left turn and ran into a pedestrian using a crosswalk.

The suit says that Israel Sanchez, 47, was dragged across the pavement following as a result of the collision, and sustained blunt force trauma to his head, eventually succumbing to his injuries.

Video of the incident published by TMZ shows the driver of the SUV pull over after hitting the pedestrian, walk over to them in the street, and then walk back to the vehicle.

The artist's attorney, Andrew Brettler, told TMZ, "It was a tragic accident. After Josh struck this pedestrian in the intersection, he immediately pulled over, stopped the car, called 911 and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. Obviously, he's cooperating with the police throughout the traffic investigation. This was purely a tragic accident."

Klinghoffer, who also toured as a member of Jane's Addiction in 2023, recently performed on and produced a new Red Kross album.

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