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

A Red Hot Chili Peppers band member is facing a wrongful-death lawsuit after a horrific tragedy.

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is facing a wrongful-death lawsuit over allegations he killed a pedestrian in California earlier this year.

The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court this week alleges the musician was driving a black SUV with no license plates when he struck 47-year-old Israel Sanchez at a crossing.

Sanchez suffered head injuries and died several hours after the accident.

Lawyers acting for the victim’s family claim they have video evidence which shows the musician was “using a device mere seconds before he crashed” into Sanchez.

Josh Klinghoffer (right) playing on his last tour with the Chili Peppers in Sydney in 2019. Picture: NCA.

The court papers, obtained by Billboard, allege 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 wilful disregard for the rights and safety of others.”

Video of the incident obtained by TMZ shows the driver of the SUV pulling over after hitting the pedestrian in Alhambra, walking over to the body and then turning around and quickly walking back to the car.

Klinghoffer (second from left) was a member of the Chili Peppers for more than a decade. Picture: Supplied.

The court filings also state LA police have not made an arrest relating to Sanchez’s death

Klinghoffer’s lawyer Andrew Brettler said Klinghoffer was fully co-operating with the police investigation into the accident.

“This was a tragic accident. After which, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. He is fully co-operating with the traffic investigation,” Brettler said in a statement.

The 44-year-old guitarist, who is currently touring with Pearl Jam who head to Australia in November, was a member of the Chili Peppers from 2007 to 2019.

He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Chili Peppers in 2012.