Josh Klinghoffer, the former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is set to appear in court this week after being involved in a tragic accident that killed a pedestrian and he even used a phone during the accident.
Klinghoffer, who has also played with bands like Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop, and Morrissey, is being sued for wrongful death and negligence after allegedly hitting Israel Sanchez, a 47-year-old man, with his SUV in Alhambra, California, on March 18. The lawsuit claims that Klinghoffer was using his phone while driving when he made a left turn and struck Sanchez as he was crossing the street legally. Sanchez later died from his injuries.
According to Deadline, Klinghoffer’s court appearance is scheduled for September 26 at 8:30 AM PT (4:30 PM BST), where he will face a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.
In a statement from July, Klinghoffer’s lawyer, Andrew B. Brettler, called it a “tragic accident” and said that Klinghoffer immediately stopped his vehicle and called 911 after the crash.
However, Sanchez’s family lawyer, Nick Rowley, claimed they have video showing Klinghoffer on his phone when the accident happened. Rowley said the family is heartbroken, noting that Sanchez was on his way to buy groceries for his family when he was hit.
Klinghoffer played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019 and left the band on good terms, later being replaced by John Frusciante.
