Cleto Escobedo III, Iconic Band Leader, Dies at 59

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, the band leader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 59. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, particularly for his close friend, host Jimmy Kimmel, who shared a heartfelt tribute during the show that evening.

Kimmel, visibly emotional, described the tribute as the “hardest” he has ever had to deliver. He reflected on their deep-rooted friendship, which began in their childhood. The two became inseparable, with Kimmel recalling nights spent at the Escobedo household and the joy of playing whiffle ball on the front lawn. “We are devastated by [the news of his death],” Kimmel said, emphasizing the profound loss felt by those who knew him.

On social media, Kimmel expressed his grief, stating, “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.” He reminisced about their nearly 23 years of collaboration, a dream that neither of them ever expected to fulfill. “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old,” Kimmel added.

The cause of Escobedo’s death has been made public through his death certificate, which was reportedly obtained by TMZ. It indicates that the immediate cause was cardiogenic shock, with underlying conditions including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Additional contributing factors listed were chronic kidney disease, sepsis, and pneumonia.

Escobedo described his role on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as the “best gig ever” in a feature during ABC’s Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month in 2021. His contributions to the show and the music industry left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered not only for his talent but also for his warm personality and humor.

This loss resonates deeply within the entertainment community, reflecting the personal connections that often exist behind the scenes. As tributes continue to pour in, Cleto Escobedo III’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched.