Pearl Jam, Chili Peppers Guitarist Pleads Not Guilty To Vehicular Manslaughter

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal pedestrian accident earlier this year.

Klinghoffer entered a plea of not guilty at Thursday’s arraignment in Alhambra, California.

On March 18th, Klinghoffer struck a 47-year-old pedestrian, who later died at the hospital.  His daughter filed a civil suit against the guitarist in July, claiming he “made no efforts to brake or slow down” and was “likely to be driving while distracted”.

Klinghoffer’s attorneys say it was a “tragic accident” with “no criminal intent”.

Klinghoffer is a current member of Pearl Jam’s touring band, and has also toured with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Iggy Pop, and Morrissey.