Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of the house band on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and a close friend of the host, passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. His death shocked fans and colleagues alike, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from the entertainment world.
Cardiogenic Shock: Immediate Cause of Death
Escobedo’s death certificate, which TMZ was able to get, said that cardiogenic shock—a potentially fatal condition in which the heart abruptly fails to pump enough blood to fulfill the body’s needs—was the direct cause of death. Heart attacks and other serious cardiac problems are frequently associated with this illness. Vasodilatory shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which further impaired vital body processes, were additional medical causes that led to his death.
Complications from Liver Transplant and Other Conditions
Additional medical information showed that Escobedo had serious side effects from a prior liver transplant. Along with other health issues including sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppression, chronic renal disease, and pneumonia, medical reports identify alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver as a major contributing cause. Together, these complicated medical conditions caused Escobedo’s health to deteriorate, which ultimately resulted in his premature death at UCLA Medical Center.
Lifetime Friendship and Professional Partnership with Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel and Escobedo grew up together in Las Vegas, which is where their relationship began. Because of their unparalleled connection and Escobedo’s superb musicianship, Kimmel selected Escobedo to lead the band “Cleto and the Cletones” when he debuted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003. They were close friends and partners for decades, and their relationship extended beyond the workplace. Kimmel echoed the heartache that everyone who knew Escobedo felt on Instagram, describing him as “a great friend, father, son, musician, and man.”
Legacy and Tributes
Fans and celebrities showered Escobedo with tributes in remembrance of his generosity, skill, and status as a cherished character on late-night television. In honor of Escobedo, Kimmel announced two fundraisers to honor his life and promote issues that were important to him. The entertainment industry is still in mourning at the passing of a legendary musician who influenced a lot of people with his friendship and talent.
