Ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist sued for wrongful death in an alleged deadly incident.
This article is over one month old.
Josh Klinghoffer, who is traveling with Pearl Jam, is being sued for allegedly striking and killing a person in an Alhambra collision earlier this year.
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is being sued for wrongful death and carelessness after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian earlier this year.
Ashley Sanchez, the daughter of Israel Sanchez, 47, who was killed at a crosswalk in Alhambra, east of Los Angeles, filed the complaint on Wednesday.
Ashley Sanchez, the daughter of Israel Sanchez, 47, who was killed at a crosswalk in Alhambra, east of Los Angeles, filed the complaint on Wednesday.
The crash occurred on March 18th, when plaintiffs claim Klinghoffer was driving a black SUV with no license plates and turned left at a marked crossing.
The plaintiffs’ video shows a black automobile striking a guy, identified as Israel Sanchez, during a turn before pulling over. The footage comes from a neighbor’s Ring camera.
According to the lawsuit, Israel Sanchez sustained blunt force damage to the head and died a few hours later at the hospital. There were no arrests made in the event.
The lawsuit also claims Klinghoffer was using a smartphone while driving, citing video evidence that shows the driver holding an object over the steering wheel. The video also reveals a 40-foot-wide grassy median dividing the road, which should have allowed Klinghoffer to see pedestrians in the crossing, according to the lawsuit.
“My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, and the greatest grandpa, always full of love and joy,” Ashley Sanchez said in a press statement. “His grin was contagious. His life was snatched by a thoughtless act of a driver who did not watch where he was going.”
Andrew Brettler, Klinghoffer’s attorney, told NBC News on Wednesday that it was a “tragic accident”.
“After the automobile hit the pedestrian, Josh quickly pulled over, stopped the vehicle, contacted 911, and waited for police and an ambulance to come. “He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation,” Brettler stated.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Nick Rowley, described the occurrence as a “reckless homicide” that law enforcement neglected to thoroughly investigate.
Sgt. Brian Chung, an Alhambra police spokeswoman, said the case was still open and he couldn’t say further.
Klinghoffer is currently on tour with the band Pearl Jam. He couldn’t be reached for comment. Pearl Jam representatives did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
