Cleto Escobedo III, the esteemed bandleader for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, passed away at age 59. The cause of his death has now been officially revealed.
His death certificate, obtained by TMZ on Friday, November 14, states the immediate cause as cardiogenic shock.
Underlying factors included vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic hepatic cirrhosis.
Sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia also contributed to Escobedo’s passing.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” did not air a new episode on Thursday, November 6. This was days before Jimmy Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s death.
Kimmel, 57, shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, November 11. He wrote, “This morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my bandleader for many years, Cleto Escobedo III.”
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel added. He noted their bond, saying they had been “inseparable” since he was nine years old.
“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us would have imagined coming true,” Kimmel concluded. He also urged prayers for Escobedo’s family.
Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue during the Tuesday night episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. He spoke about the difficulty of the moment.
“This is the hardest,” Kimmel stated, referring to his past monologues. He mourned the loss of “someone very special who was too young to go.”
The entire show staff was “devastated,” Kimmel shared. He also paid tribute to Escobedo’s widow, Lori, and their two children.
“It’s not fair,” Kimmel said. He remembered Escobedo as “the kindest, most humble, good-natured, and always funny person.”
“Cherish your friends. We’re not here forever,” Kimmel urged.
Celebrities also offered their condolences. Paula Abdul, 63, posted an emotional tribute to Escobedo on Instagram on Tuesday, November 11.
Abdul recalled meeting Escobedo when he played saxophone at a Caesars Palace bar in Las Vegas.
“I was putting together my band for my first world tour,” she wrote. “As soon as I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn’t have touring experience yet.”
She highlighted his undeniable talent and energy. Abdul noted his incredible career, including reuniting with Kimmel as bandleader.
“Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage,” Abdul concluded. She extended her love to his family and all who loved him.
Escobedo’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, has been a staple of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since its debut in 2003.
Before his tenure with Kimmel, Escobedo had his own record deal. He founded Cleto and the Cletones in 1995.
The original lineup included guitarist Toshi Yangagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and drummer Jonathan Dresel.
His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., later joined the group. Cleto Escobedo Jr. had previously played saxophone in a 1960s rock and soul band.