Jimmy Kimmel Band Leader Cleto Escobedo’s Cause of Death Revealed

New information surrounding the passing of Jimmy Kimmel‘s band leader has been uncovered. 

A death certificate obtained by TMZ on November 14th revealed that Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at age 59, died from cardiogenic shock. This condition occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

The report also mentioned the reasons for the condition, including vasodilatory shock – where blood vessels widen – and disseminated intravascular coagulation, a serious condition where blood clots block blood flow to organs.

The death certificate also listed several other health problems that contributed to his death, including cirrhosis of the liver caused by heavy alcohol use, sepsis, a complication from his organ transplant called graft-versus-host disease, a weakened immune system, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia, according to TMZ.

The news of Cleto’s death came on November 11th, when Jimmy posted a moving tribute to the musician. Cleto had been the bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show began in 2003.

Jimmy shared the sad news on Instagram that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, had passed away earlier that morning. He described the loss as devastating, saying they were all heartbroken.

The TV personality soon became emotional as he remembered his longtime friendship with the musician, someone he’d known since childhood in Las Vegas.

Jimmy, 57, fondly remembered all the fun he and a close companion shared. As he explained on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 11th, they developed a special connection and a unique way of communicating. They understood each other so well, often without needing to speak at all. He recalled how, even during daily rehearsals, they could connect without even making eye contact.

I was so touched to hear that the comedian is honoring Cleto’s memory in such beautiful ways. He’s starting a fund to support the amazing medical team who cared for him, and another one for The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, because Cleto just adored animals. It really shows what a kind heart he had, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy continuing through these acts of kindness.

As Jimmy wrote on Instagram Nov. 14, “Cleto was always kind and eager to help others.” 

For more stars who have paid tribute to Cleto in the wake of his passing, keep reading. 

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Instagram November 11th that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, had passed away. Kimmel described the loss as devastating, saying they were all heartbroken.

The talk show host added that he and Cleto “have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”

Jimmy went on to say how incredible it was that they had the chance to work together daily, something they’d both only dreamed of. He urged everyone to value their friends and asked for continued support and prayers for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

The artist behind “Glamorous Life” shared the sad news of Cleto Escobedo’s passing on Instagram on November 11th. They first met Cleto in 1994 and produced a track for his album the following year. They often playfully speculated about being family and even tried to confirm it.

She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”

I’m absolutely devastated by this news – it’s just beyond words. My heart goes out to his wife and children, and of course to Jimmy Kimmel, his family, and all who loved him. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. I loved him dearly and hope he rests in peace.

The singer of “Straight Up” posted a touching message on Instagram on November 11th, expressing sadness over the loss of Cleto Escobedo III.

You know, I first spotted Cleto while he was playing sax at a little bar in Caesars Palace, Vegas. I was in the process of assembling my band for my very first world tour, and honestly, the moment I heard him play, I just knew I had to have him. He hadn’t toured before, but his talent was undeniable – I had to take a chance!

She enthusiastically praised Cleto’s incredible talent and energy, expressing her excitement to see him succeed and rejoin his close friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

She described Cleto as a genuinely kind and radiant person, both when performing and in his everyday life. She expressed her deep sympathy to his family and all those who cared for him.

Actor Zach Cherry shared the news on Instagram November 11th that Cleto Escobedo III had passed away. He described Escobedo as a kind and talented person who would be deeply missed, and sent his condolences to Escobedo’s family and the team at Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

The Modern Family actor responded to Jimmy’s post with sympathy, writing, “So sorry to hear this.” They described the person Jimmy mentioned as “AWESOME” and sent their love to his family.

The former Reboot cast member posted three red hearts on Jimmy’s memorial post, and wrote, “Sending love to you, Cleto, and your entire family.”

“Heartbreaking,” the comedian posted. “So, very sorry.”

The comedian commented, “Love you Love to his incredible family.”

The Seinfeld star shared her condolences on Jimmy’s remembrance, writing, “Oh no. I’m so so sorry.”

“So sorry man,” the Studio star added on Jimmy’s post. “Love you Cleto.”

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2025-11-15 05:17