(L.A.) Israel Sanchez, 47, Died After Being Hit by RHCP Guitarist

Case Number: 2024-04685

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 47-year-old Latino male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Israel Sanchez.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Blunt-Force Injuries

RIP ISRAEL SANCHEZ (April 5, 1976 – March 18, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 5:28 p.m.

The decedent was injured in an accident in Alhambra involving former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. The accident happened at 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.

Klinghoffer did not brake until after striking Sanchez and video evidence suggests he likely was driving while distracted.

Ashley Sanchez, a relative of the deceased, filed a lawsuit for wrongful death against Klinghoffer in July 2024.

Klinghoffer was the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019. During his tenure with the band, he recorded two studio albums: “I’m with You” (2011) and “The Getaway” (2016), as well as the B-sides compilation “I’m Beside You” (2013).
Klinghoffer joined RHCP at the age of 32, replacing his friend and collaborator John Frusciante. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the band, making him the youngest inductee at the time.