AceShowbiz - Josh Klinghoffer, the former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and current touring member of Pearl Jam, is being sued for negligence and wrongful death following an incident in which he allegedly struck and killed 47-year-old Israel Sanchez with his car. The tragic collision occurred on March 18 in Alhambra, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.

The lawsuit was filed by Ashley Sanchez, the victim's daughter, who is seeking justice for her father's death. According to court documents obtained by NBC News, the crash happened as Sanchez was walking in a marked crosswalk on his way to the grocery store. Video evidence purportedly shows Klinghoffer holding an object above the steering wheel, suggesting he may have been using his cellphone at the time of the accident.

"My dad was known for being a great chef, the most talented of his family, the greatest grandpa always full of love and joy," Ashley Sanchez said in a statement. "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."

The footage, obtained from a neighbor's Ring camera, reveals that Sanchez adhered to pedestrian signage and stopped to look for oncoming traffic before crossing. The video shows Klinghoffer's black GMC Yukon turning without apparent braking, hitting Sanchez and tragically causing blunt force trauma to his head. Sanchez died a few hours later in Huntington Hospital.

Nick Rowley, the attorney representing the Sanchez family, has labeled the incident "reckless homicide." He argues that Klinghoffer had ample opportunity to see Sanchez and stop, describing the crash as the result of distracted driving. "Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and prosecuted for homicide. We have a video of him on his cell phone at the time he hit and killed Israel Sanchez," Rowley stated.

In defense, Andrew Brettler, Klinghoffer's attorney, has characterized the event as a "tragic accident," emphasizing that Klinghoffer immediately pulled over, called 911, and stayed on the scene until authorities arrived. He asserts that the guitarist is cooperating fully with the ongoing traffic investigation.

Klinghoffer, who rose to fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and now tours with Pearl Jam, has not personally commented on the incident. As the investigation continues, the Sanchez family remains steadfast in their pursuit of accountability and justice for their lost loved one.