Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist arraigned on misdemeanor manslaughter charge related to fatal crash

(Gray News) - Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer was expected to be arraigned Thursday on a charge connected to a crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

Klinghoffer, who also worked with Pearl Jam and Jane’s Addiction, was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning, according to court records. He was to be arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence in connection to the death of Israel Sanchez.

According to KTLA, the Klinghoffer is accused of hitting and killing Sanchez at an intersection in Alhambra, California, on March 18. Sanchez was walking in the crosswalk when he was struck by a GMC Yukon reportedly driven by Klinghoffer.

KTLA reported nearby security cameras revealed that Klinghoffer immediately stopped the car, got out and called 911.

Klinghoffer is also facing a civil wrongful death and negligence lawsuit filed by Sanchez’s daughter, according to the Associated Press. The lawsuit alleges the guitarist was distracted moments before the crash and reports “video evidence” shows he was on his phone while driving.

Klinghoffer’s attorney disputes the claims, according to KTLA.

Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012.

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