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

Jimmy Kimmel is grieving the heartbreaking loss of his lifelong friend and Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader Cleto Escobedo III — and new details about what caused the 59-year-old’s sudden death have now been made public.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Escobedo died from cardiogenic shock, a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to sustain the body. The report listed multiple underlying conditions, including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. It also noted several health issues Escobedo was battling at the time, including sepsis, pneumonia, and chronic kidney disease.

The beloved saxophonist and music director passed away on November 11, leaving fans and colleagues in shock. Escobedo had been a fixture on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show’s debut in 2003, performing night after night alongside Kimmel — who grew up with him in Las Vegas.

A Friendship That Spanned Decades

Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship began when the late-night host was just nine years old. Over the years, the two became inseparable, both on and off camera. Escobedo’s father, Cleto II, even played in the show’s band, making the Escobedos part of Kimmel’s extended family.

On Tuesday night, an emotional Kimmel broke his silence with a tearful tribute during his opening monologue. “Even though I’m heartbroken to lose him,” Kimmel said, “I’m going to take yet another lesson from him and acknowledge how lucky I was to have him — literally at my side — for so many years.”

Kimmel went on to thank Escobedo’s parents, who were in the audience, for sharing their son with him. “Thank you for making him and for treating me like your own son always,” Kimmel said through tears, his voice cracking with emotion.

The Heart of the Show

For over two decades, Escobedo’s easygoing humor, infectious laugh, and musical genius helped shape Jimmy Kimmel Live! into one of the most recognizable late-night institutions. Fans adored his chemistry with Kimmel — a natural rhythm that came from years of shared history and mutual respect.

Behind the scenes, crew members described Escobedo as the “soul” of the show — a calming presence who made everyone feel welcome. “He made me laugh every day,” Kimmel told viewers. “He made everyone feel comfortable. He had this light in him that filled every room.”

Tributes Pour In

Since his passing, celebrities and fans alike have flooded social media with memories of the musician. Fellow bandmates, comedians, and late-night hosts have shared emotional posts honoring his legacy. Many described Escobedo as “pure joy” and “a one-of-a-kind talent.”

While Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to air, Kimmel admitted it will never be the same without his friend by his side. “I don’t know how to do this show without him,” he said softly. “But I know he’d want me to keep laughing.”

Escobedo’s death marks the end of an era for Jimmy Kimmel Live! — and for Kimmel, it’s a loss that goes far beyond the stage lights.

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