Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer sued for wrongful death

A relative of a man allegedly run over and killed by a former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist in Alhambra in March filed court papers Wednesday against the musician, alleging wrongful death and negligence.

Ashley Sanchez brought the still unofficial Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit against Josh Klinghoffer stemming from the March 18 death of Israel Sanchez, which occurred about 2:50 p.m. at Main Street and Meridian Avenue.

Klinghoffer was driving a 2022 SUV with no license plates and struck Sanchez in the back while the victim was in a crosswalk, causing him to fall, be dragged and die less than three hours later at a hospital, the court papers state.

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Klinghoffer did not brake until after striking Sanchez and, based on video evidence, he likely was driving while distracted, the court papers further state.

Ashley Sanchez seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The court papers do not state her relationship to the 47-year-old victim.

Klinghoffer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, told TMZ that death was a "tragic accident" and said the guitarist called 911 as soon as he realized what he'd done.

Klinghoffer left the band in December 2019.

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