Cleto Escobedo, Beloved Band Leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Passes Away at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, the cherished band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 59. The news of his death has drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues alike, marking a significant loss in the entertainment community.

Kimmel’s Heartfelt Tribute

In a deeply emotional segment on his show, Kimmel paid tribute to Escobedo, describing it as the “hardest” tribute he has ever had to deliver. He recounted their childhood friendship, highlighting moments that defined their bond. “We became not just regular friends, but the 24/7, ‘Mom please let me sleep over, please,’ kind of friends,” Kimmel said, reminiscing about one summer when he spent 33 consecutive nights at the Escobedo household.

As Kimmel shared stories of their shared experiences—whiffle ball games on the front lawn, late-night prank phone calls, and ordering pizzas to unsuspecting neighbors—he expressed his profound sadness. “We are devastated by this news. It’s just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person,” Kimmel stated, visibly moved.

Following the announcement, Kimmel took to social media, sharing his heartbreak on Instagram. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true,” he wrote.

Details Surrounding Escobedo’s Death

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Escobedo’s immediate cause of death was identified as cardiogenic shock. The certificate also listed several underlying causes, including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Additional contributing conditions were noted as chronic kidney disease, graft versus host disease, sepsis, and pneumonia.

Escobedo often spoke fondly of his role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, referring to it as the “best gig ever” during an interview for an ABC Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month feature in 2021. His contributions to the show and the music community will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike.

The legacy of Cleto Escobedo III is one of friendship, laughter, and music, and his passing leaves a profound void. Kimmel’s tribute and the countless memories shared serve as a testament to the impact Escobedo had on those around him.