Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist faces lawsuit for alleged involvement in fatal accident causing wrongful death

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a lawsuit for wrongful death and negligence stemming from an incident earlier this year in which he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian. The lawsuit was brought by Ashley Sanchez, the daughter of the victim, 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, who tragically died after being hit while walking in a crosswalk in Alhambra, east of Los Angeles.
The collision occurred on March 18, when Klinghoffer reportedly made a left turn at an intersection with a marked crosswalk while driving a black SUV with no license plates. Video evidence obtained from a neighbor’s Ring camera showed the moment Israel Sanchez was hit by the vehicle, resulting in fatal blunt force head trauma. Despite the presence of a 40-foot-wide grassy median that should have allowed Klinghoffer to see pedestrians in the crosswalk, the lawsuit alleges he was distracted by using a cellphone while driving.
Ashley Sanchez described her father as a talented chef and a loving presence in their family, expressing deep sorrow over his passing as a result of what she called a “careless act” by Klinghoffer. The ex-guitarist, who is currently on tour with Pearl Jam, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
The attorney representing the plaintiff, Nick Rowley, condemned the incident as a “reckless homicide” and criticized law enforcement for their handling of the case, claiming that Klinghoffer was not charged or even issued a ticket for his actions. Alhambra police spokesperson Sgt. Brian Chung stated that the investigation is ongoing and refrained from providing further details at this time.