Cleto Escobedo's cause of death revealed after Jimmy Kimmel announces death

Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death has been revealed days after Jimmy Kimmel announced his death.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, November 11, at the age of 59. Now, his cause of death has been confirmed in his death certificate obtained by TMZ.

The document lists “cardiogenic shock” as the immediate cause, with vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and alcoholic cirrhosis as underlying factors, along with several additional medical complications.

TMZ also noted that sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease and pneumonia contributed to his passing.

The talkshow host announced his childhood friend’s death via Instagram last week.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel wrote. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”

To honour his legacy as someone who was “always kind and eager to help others,” Kimmel announced the launch of two fundraisers; the first is for UCLA Medical Centre where he received treatment, and the second is for LA’s The Animal Foundation to honour Escobedo’s love of animals.

Escobedo had led Cleto and the Cletones since 2003. Before joining the show, he toured with Paula Abdul, who also paid tribute on Instagram.

She wrote, “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… 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 late night show announced a week-long break as cast, crew, bandmates, and loved ones mourn Escobedo. 

Escobedo had led Cleto and the Cletones since 2003. Before joining the show, he toured with Paula Abdul, who also paid tribute on Instagram.

She wrote, “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… 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 late-night show announced a week-long break as cast, crew, bandmates, and loved ones mourn Escobedo.