Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a lawsuit for wrongful death and negligence.
Earlier this year, he was driving a GMC Yukon in Alhambra, California, when the car struck and killed a pedestrian using a crosswalk. Video footage obtained by TMZ shows the incident, where the SUV made a left turn and hit the pedestrian, after which the driver stopped briefly to check on the victim before returning to the vehicle.
Kinghoffer’s lawyer 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.”
The Victim’s Daughter Also Spoke About The Incident
The lawsuit alleges that the victim, 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, died hours after being hit. He suffered severe head injuries from being dragged by Klinghoffer’s car. The victim’s daughter Ashley’s lawyers stated in the complaint obtained by Billboard:
“Video of the incident shows that defendant Josh Adam Klinghoffer made no braking or slowing motion until after he fatally struck Israel Sanchez, indicating that defendant was likely driving while distracted. This horrible outcome was foreseeable and demonstrates a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others.”
The lawsuit said:
“Klinghoffer … was more focused on his personal business than on acting as a responsible driver. These decisions culminated in the motor vehicle, inflicting fatal injuries on decedent, who died a horrific and excruciating death.”
The Musician Was In Rush According To The Lawyer
Sanchez’s family lawyer Nick Rowley also said Klinghoffer should be arrested and charged with homicide. Rowley added that Sanchez followed traffic laws:
“He did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage, but tragically Mr. Klinghoffer, in a rush and on his phone, hit him fatally from behind with a large SUV. The loss and grief that the Sanchez family now faces is immense. We will not stop until there is accountability and justice for Mr. Sanchez and his family.”
Klinghoffer is touring with Pearl Jam, according to Sanchez’s lawyers. The lawsuit claims he never reached out to the Sanchez family or expressed regret after the incident. No one has been arrested in connection with the issue yet. The complaint doesn’t say how much money the family wants in damages.