The music world and late-night television are in mourning following the revelation of the cause of death for Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for nearly 23 years. The musician's death certificate, obtained by TMZ, has confirmed his passing was due to cardiogenic shock.
A Detailed Look at the Medical Causes
According to the official documentation, the immediate cause of Escobedo's death was cardiogenic shock, a critical condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands. This is most commonly triggered by a severe heart attack. The death certificate also listed several underlying causes, including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
Further contributing conditions detailed in the report were sepsis, graft versus host disease, an immunosuppressed state, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. The 59-year-old musician passed away on November 11, 2025.
Jimmy Kimmel's Heartfelt Tributes and Show Hiatus
Kimmel, who had been friends with Escobedo since they were nine years old, announced the devastating news in an emotional Instagram post. He described Escobedo as a "great friend, father, son, musician and man," stating that their heartbreak was an understatement. Kimmel highlighted the unique bond they shared, noting that working together every day for over two decades was a dream come true for both of them.
During a taping of his show, a visibly emotional Kimmel informed the audience that he and his team would be taking the next couple of nights off to grieve. He called delivering the monologue the hardest he has ever had to do, acknowledging Escobedo's integral role on the show since its premiere in 2003. It remains unclear when Jimmy Kimmel Live! will resume broadcasting.
A Lifelong Friendship and Musical Legacy
The pair's friendship began in their hometown of Las Vegas, where they grew up across the street from one another. Their bond remained strong through college and into their adult lives. In 2015, Kimmel recalled to ABC how he secured Escobedo as his bandleader, taking a network executive to see his friend's band perform to convince him. Kimmel emphasised that their unparalleled chemistry was as important as the musical talent.
Before his long-standing late-night gig, Escobedo had an impressive career, touring with major artists like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind and Fire. On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he fronted the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, which also featured his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., on saxophone.
Kimmel concluded his tribute by urging the public to cherish their friends and to keep Escobedo's wife, children, and parents in their prayers.
