Cleto Escobedo III’s Cause of Death Revealed as New Details Emerge

Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death has been officially confirmed, bringing clarity after days of concern among fans of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. The longtime bandleader died from cardiogenic shock, according to information first reported by TMZ. He was 59.

The death certificate shows several additional underlying and contributing conditions, giving a fuller picture of the medical complications he faced. His passing came shortly after he was hospitalized following issues related to a liver transplant.

What the Death Certificate Reveals About Cleto Escobedo III

According to the documents referenced by major outlets including ABC and TMZ, Escobedo’s immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock. This condition occurs when the heart suddenly fails to pump enough blood for the body’s needs. The Mayo Clinic describes it as rapidly life-threatening and typically linked to serious cardiac events.

The certificate also listed vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver as underlying causes. Additional complications included sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. These conditions together painted a picture of a rapidly declining health state following his transplant.

Escobedo had reportedly been hospitalized the week prior, prompting Jimmy Kimmel to cancel the Nov. 6 taping of his show to be at his friend’s bedside. Kimmel later canceled two more episodes following the bandleader’s death, as the show’s staff and audience processed the loss of a key figure who helped define its musical identity for more than two decades.

Escobedo led the show’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, for nearly 23 years. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also performed alongside him, creating a rare family presence in late-night television.

On the Nov. 11 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute. He fought back tears as he remembered his childhood friend, sharing that their bond stretched back to when they were young boys playing instruments together. “We had our own language,” Kimmel said during the heartfelt monologue. “Almost no one else understood.”

The loss has shaken the late-night community and fans who grew familiar with Escobedo’s warm presence, musical talent, and unmistakable role in shaping the tone of the show.

Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’.

How the Entertainment Community Is Responding

Tributes continue to ripple across social media from colleagues, musicians, and viewers. Many highlighted his decades-long partnership with Kimmel and his significant contributions to live television music. Industry peers praised his musicianship, generosity, and humor.

Escobedo’s death also renews broader discussions about the health challenges performers often face behind the scenes and how sudden medical complications can escalate. His passing underscores how interconnected underlying conditions can become, especially after major procedures such as liver transplantation.

Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death, now confirmed through official documentation, offers closure to fans while deepening the emotional impact of his loss. His legacy remains firmly tied to the heart of late-night television and the music that defined nearly 23 years of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Cleto Escobedo III’s official cause of death?

His immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock. Several other medical complications were listed as contributing factors.

Q2: What health issues contributed to his death?

Underlying causes included vasodilatory shock, alcoholic cirrhosis, DIC, sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, kidney disease, and pneumonia.

Q3: How did Jimmy Kimmel respond?

Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute on-air and canceled two episodes of his show as he mourned the loss of his longtime friend.

Q4: How long was Escobedo part of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”?

He served as the bandleader for nearly 23 years, leading Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s debut.

Q5: Was he hospitalized before his death?

Yes. Reports state he was hospitalized due to complications following a liver transplant.