In a significant legal development, Josh Klinghoffer, the former guitarist of a prominent rock band, has been arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter. This follows a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit filed by the family of Israel Sanchez, a 47-year-old pedestrian who tragically lost his life after being struck by Klinghoffer’s vehicle in Alhambra, California, on March 18. Klinghoffer entered a not guilty plea through his attorney in court today.
The lawsuit alleges that Klinghoffer was distracted by his phone while operating his SUV and made a left turn, colliding with Sanchez as he crossed the street in a designated crosswalk. The incident resulted in severe head trauma for Sanchez, who succumbed to his injuries hours later. Notably, the lawsuit states that law enforcement did not arrest Klinghoffer at the scene.
In defending Klinghoffer, his civil case attorney characterized the incident as “a tragic accident.” Following the collision, Klinghoffer reportedly stopped his vehicle, called emergency services, and remained at the scene until first responders arrived, emphasizing his cooperation with the ongoing traffic investigation.
Conversely, legal representatives for the Sanchez family are calling for accountability, asserting that video evidence shows Klinghoffer was on his phone at the time of the incident. They highlighted that Sanchez was completing a routine task to support his family when he met with this unfortunate fate. The family’s attorney lamented the immense grief and loss they are experiencing, vowing to pursue justice for Israel Sanchez.
Klinghoffer, who performed with the band from 2009 to 2019 and was the youngest inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when honored with the group in 2012, has since been involved with other prominent rock acts.
