Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer sued for wrongful death

Klinghoffer ran over a pedestrian while driving his SUV in March

July 10, 2024 | 3:02pm ET

Josh Klinghoffer, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist and current touring member of Pearl Jam, has been sued for wrongful death and negligence after he ran over a pedestrian in his SUV in Los Angeles back in March.

The suit was first reported by TMZ, who confirmed via Klinghoffer’s attorney that the guitarist was indeed behind the wheel when the accident took place on March 18th, 2024. A video obtained by TMZ shows Klinghoffer’s black GMC Yukon was turning left at a crosswalk in Alhambra, California when it struck the victim, identified as 47-year-old Israel Sanchez.

The video shows the car running over and dragging Sanchez, after which Klinghoffer exits his vehicle, walks over to the body, and gets back in his car. Sanchez received blunt force trauma to his head and succumbed to his injuries about two hours later.

The suit alleges that Klinghoffer didn’t pump his brakes whatsoever and was “distracted” while behind the wheel. The LAPD has yet to make any arrests in this case, but the victim’s family is suing Klinghoffer for negligence and wrongful death, and are going after him for damages.

Andrew Brettler, Klinghoffer’s attorney, 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 played with Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, replacing longtime guitarist John Frusciante. He’s since joined Jane’s Addiction and Pearl Jam as a touring member, and is currently on tour with Pearl Jam.