The cause of death of Cleto Escobedo III, longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been revealed.
According to the musician’s death certificate, obtained by TMZ, cardiogenic shock was listed as the immediate cause of death. Rolling Stone has also confirmed that Escobedo died at UCLA Medical Center following complications related to a liver transplant.
Vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver were listed as underlying causes. Per the document, additional conditions that contributed to Escobedo’s death include sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppressed, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia.
The Mayo Clinic states that cardiogenic shock is a “life-threatening condition” that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While it is often caused by a “large or severe heart attack,” not everyone who suffers from a heart attack has cardiogenic shock, per the site.
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Escobedo’s childhood friend, Jimmy Kimmel, announced news of his death at age 59 earlier this week. During his Tuesday night monologue, Kimmel paid tribute to his pal. “It’s just not fair,” Kimmel said, breaking into tears. “He was the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.” The host added, of the their shared success, “He loved me. He loved seeing all of this happen. He loved being a part of it. He never took it for granted…. He was just a great older brother. No baggage, all love. There’s no one in my life I felt more comfortable with.”
Keyboardist-musical arranger Jeff Babko, who worked with Escobedo for more than 30 years at the late-night show, also honored his friend and spoke with Rolling Stone about the bandleader. “Musically, Cleto loved groove. He loved Stevie Wonder, Rufus, Donny Hathaway, Tower of Power, Sting. He loved the truth. His playing was soulful, genuine — no math, no patterns, no cerebral showing-off. Just purpose and soul. Every note meant something,” said Babko. “He fought until the bitter end to stay here for his family. Last night, his wife said, ‘I never wanted to do this alone.’ And I said, ‘You couldn’t be less alone.’ He spent a lifetime building friendships — deep, wide, loyal friendships. A chosen brotherhood. And I’m just so lucky I got to be his friend.”
