Josh Klinghoffer, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist and current touring member of Pearl Jam, has reached a plea deal that allows him to avoid jail time for a vehicular manslaughter charge stemming from a crash in May 2024.
On Wednesday, Klinghoffer appeared in a Alhambra, California, courtroom and pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, according to Rolling Stone. He was sentenced to one year of informal probation and 60 days of community labor. He also must complete a driver safety class and pay restitution.
On March 18th, 2024, Josh Klinghoffer struck a 47-year-old pedestrian named Israel Sanchez with his SUV while Sanchez was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk in Alhambra, California. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Ashley Sanchez, the victim’s daughter, delivered a victim impact statement during Wednesday’s sentencing. “My father was an extraordinary grandfather to my [children],” she said. “His absence has left an irreversible void in our lives.” She said Klinghoffer’s actions had caused her “deep and lasting trauma.”
Sanchez’s family has filed a civil suit against Klinghoffer; the next hearing in that case is scheduled for July 1st.