New details have emerged regarding the cause of death of Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime band leader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who passed away at the age of 59. According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ on November 14, Cleto’s immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body.
The document also listed other underlying factors contributing to his death, including vasodilatory shock (a severe dilation of the blood vessels), disseminated intravascular coagulation (a condition where blood clots form throughout the body, blocking blood flow to organs), and alcoholic cirrhosis, which is advanced liver damage due to chronic alcohol abuse. Additional health complications noted were sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, a weakened immune system, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia.
Cleto’s tragic death was first publicly announced on November 11, with Jimmy Kimmel sharing a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend and band leader, who had been with the show since its debut in 2003. “We lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man today,” Kimmel wrote on Instagram. “To say we’re heartbroken is an understatement.”
Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Kimmel shared an emotional memory of the time they spent together. The two had known each other since childhood, meeting in their hometown of Las Vegas when Kimmel was just 9 years old. “We had so many adventures,” Kimmel reminisced on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode that aired on November 11. “We would laugh so hard. We had our own language, one that no one else could understand. We didn’t even need to speak; we’d just look at each other during rehearsals.”
Following Cleto’s passing, Kimmel shared plans to honor his legacy by starting a fund for the medical team who provided him with exceptional care during his health struggles. The fund will also support The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, a cause close to Cleto’s heart due to his love for animals. “Cleto was always so kind and eager to help others,” Kimmel wrote in another Instagram post.
Several of Cleto’s friends and colleagues in the entertainment world have shared their tributes. Sheila E., a close friend and collaborator, posted to Instagram, expressing her sorrow over the loss. “I met Cleto in 1994 and produced a song on his album in 1995. He was more than a musician—he was family,” she wrote, adding that they once joked about being related.
Paula Abdul, who had worked with Cleto early in his career, recalled first hearing him perform in a small Las Vegas venue and immediately recognizing his talent. “I knew I had to hire him for my first world tour, despite his lack of touring experience,” she shared on Instagram. “Cleto’s energy and talent were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career.”
Other stars, including Adam Scott, Eric Stonestreet, Johnny Knoxville, Wanda Sykes, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, also expressed their condolences. Many highlighted Cleto’s kindness and incredible musical talent, and offered their love and support to his family.
As Cleto’s colleagues continue to pay tribute, it is clear that he leaves behind a legacy of not only musical excellence but also deep personal connections, a love for animals, and a dedication to helping others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
