Pearl Jam guitarist Josh Klinghoffer sued for wrongful death of pedestrian

Josh Klinghoffer, a guitarist who has worked with Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is being sued for wrongful death and negligence following a fatal collision with a pedestrian.

Ashley Sanchez filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against the 44-year-old guitarist, who is currently on tour with Pearl Jam, on Wednesday on behalf of her late father Israel Sanchez.

The lawsuit alleges Israel Sanchez, 47, "was thrown and/or dragged across the asphalt where he sustained blunt force trauma to the head, and lay on the pavement until medical transport arrived" after being hit by an SUV with no license plate at a crosswalk on March 18, per documents obtained by USA TODAY Friday. He was pronounced dead at the hospital hours later.

"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 (he) was likely driving while distracted," the lawsuit states, adding that the guitarist was allegedly "using a device mere seconds before he crashed into (Israel Sanchez)."

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Pearl Jam.

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Klinghoffer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, told USA TODAY that the musician was in a "tragic accident."

"After the car struck the pedestrian, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation," Brettler said.

Nick Rowley, one of the attorneys for Ashley Sanchez, said in a press release that Klinghoffer "should be arrested and prosecuted for homicide."

Ashley Sanchez added, "My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy. His smile was so infectious. His life was taken by a careless act of a person who didn’t bother to look where he was driving."

She is seeking a jury trial, attorney fees and damages for costs such as her father's funeral, burial and medical expenses as well as her own pain and suffering, per the lawsuit.

Klinghoffer was a guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019. He has also toured with bands Jane's Addiction and currently Pearl Jam.