Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death has been revealed after his death at age 59.
Escobedo died from “cardiogenic shock as the immediate cause of death with vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver as the underlying causes,” according to the musician’s death certificate, which was obtained by TMZ on Friday, November 14.
Sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease and pneumonia also contributed to Escobedo’s death, per the outlet.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! did not air a new episode on Thursday, November 6, days before Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s death.
Celebrity Deaths of 2025: Jim Avila and More Stars We’ve Lost This Year
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel, 57, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, November 11. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
The talk show host noted that he and Escobedo III “have been inseparable” since he was 9 years old.
“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true,” Kimmel concluded. “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
During Tuesday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel broke down in his emotional monologue as he paid tribute to Escobedo.
Kimmel noted he’s “had to do some hard monologues” over the past two decades but explained, “this one’s the hardest, because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go.”
Sharing that everyone at the show was “devastated” by the loss, Kimmel also paid tribute to Escobedo’s widow, Lori, and their two children,
“It’s just not fair,” he said. “He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person.”
Kimmel added, “Cherish your friends. We’re not here forever.”
Paula Abdul, 63, was among the celebrities to also pay tribute to Escobedo.
“My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III,” Abdul captioned an Instagram video on Tuesday, November 11. “I first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.”
Why Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Show Will ‘Take the Next Couple Nights Off’
In her touching tribute, Abdul shared memories of her time with Escobedo.
“I was putting together my band for my first world tour and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn’t have any touring experience yet,” she wrote. “His talent and energy were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
The singer concluded, “Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage. Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him.”
Escobedo’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, has been part of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the talk show began in 2003.
Before working for Kimmel, Escobedo had his own record deal. He formed Cleto and the Cletones in 1995 with guitarist Toshi Yangagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboard player Jeff Babko and drummer Jonathan Dresel. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., later joined the group after playing saxophone in a 1960s rock and soul band.
