Josh Klinghoffer sued for manslaughter after car accident

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after hitting and killing a 47-year-old man with his car. The guitarist’s attorney has issued a brief statement on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed in California by Ashley Sanchez, the daughter of the victim, whose name was Israel Sanchez, and alleges that Sanchez was struck and killed by a black GMC SUV driven by Klinghoffer last March as he crossed a crosswalk on his way to shopping in Alhambra, California.

The report claims that video evidence shows the guitarist was distracted while making a left turn at the intersection and showed no signs of braking or slowing down. The SUV also reportedly had no license plates.

Sanchez died as a result of blunt force trauma resulting from the injuries he sustained in the impact, the lawsuit states.

The report further claims that Klinghoffer was never arrested for the accident and went on tour with Pearl Jam. He also never contacted Sanchez’s family or expressed remorse.

Klinghoffer’s lawyer made a statement to Rolling Stone about the incident.

“This was a tragic accident,” the attorney said. “Afterward, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911 and waited for the police and ambulance to arrive. He is cooperating fully with traffic investigators.”

For this reason, the Sanchez family is suing Klinghoffer for damages for pain and suffering, medical and legal fees, and more.

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“My father was known as a great cook, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandfather, always full of love and joy,” said Ashley Sanchez. “His life was cut short by the careless act of someone who wasn’t paying attention to where he was going.”

“Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and charged with manslaughter. We have video on his cellphone of him hitting and killing Israel Sanchez, a loving father, in a crosswalk,” suggested Nick Rowley, attorney for the Sanchez family.