Josh Klinghoffer, former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has accepted a plea deal for fatally striking Israel Sanchez, a pedestrian, with his car in California last year. Per the New York Post via Rolling Stone, "Klinghoffer, 45, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence in an Alhambra courtroom on Wednesday...." Sanchez' emotional daughter, Ashley, made a heartfelt victim impact statement about her dad's tragic death. Their family has been impacted greatly by the tragedy.
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Israel Sanchez' Daughter Described The Anguish That Her Dad's Death Caused Their Family
Per the outlet via Rolling Stone, Ashley Sanchez, the victim's daughter, gave a poignant statement to the court about the intense pain his loss has caused their family. "My father was an extraordinary grandfather to my [children]," the heartbroken daughter told the court. His absence has left an irreversible void in our lives."
She added that her dad was a gifted painter and cook. His food and artwork reportedly meant so much to his family.
Ashley Sanchez also made some remarks to Klinghoffer. She said this was "an avoidable loss that has shaken my family" resulting in "deep and lasting trauma."
What Happened When The Accident Took Place
On March 18, 2024 in Alhambra, a Los Angeles suburb, Klinghoffer accidentally hit pedestrian Sanchez, 47, with his vehicle. Klinghoffer was behind the wheel of a 2022 GMC Yukon. The incident caused Sanchez' death.
Sanchez passed away later the same day as the accident. The reason for his death was "blunt force trauma to the head."
Sanchez' Family Filed A Wrongful Death Suit Against Josh Klinghoffer Last July
That lawsuit reportedly alleged that Klinghoffer had no license plates on his vehicle when he hit Sanchez. Also, it apparently claimed that Klinghoffer was on his cell phone at the time.
Furthermore, the lawsuit supposedly says that video seemingly indicates that Klinghoffer was probably "distracted" while he was driving. and did not evidently slow down or brake until he actually struck Sanchez.
Per the outlet, "However, police have determined that Klinghoffer was not using a cell phone at the time of the accident."
In January, a judge ruled against "the family's renewed attempt to seek damages" in the lawsuit.
