The passing of Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, has been attributed to cardiogenic shock, as revealed in his death certificate on Friday. TMZ reported this finding, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his death.
Cardiogenic shock is a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs, a situation that can quickly become life-threatening, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This was identified as the immediate cause of Escobedo’s death.
However, the situation was complicated by several underlying health issues. Escobedo had been battling cirrhosis of the liver, a condition often linked to prolonged alcohol use. This ailment occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing the liver’s ability to function properly.
Additionally, the musician’s health was compromised by vasodilatory shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation, both of which were noted as contributing factors in his untimely death. These conditions further complicated Escobedo’s health, ultimately leading to the tragic outcome.
The musician had reportedly been suffering from cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol use, in which long-term drinking can cause the organ’s health tissue to be replaced by scar tissue, which prevents the liver from functioning properly.
Other underlying causes of Escobedo’s death reportedly include vasodilatory shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
The cause of death for Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend Cleto Escobedo III was revealed on Friday. Escobedo’s death certificate indicated that the Jimmy Kimmel Live bandleader had died of cardiogenic shock, TMZ reported; Kimmel and Escobedo pictured together in 2012
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood to the rest of the body to sustain life. Escobedo also had several underlying conditions that reportedly contributed to his death; pictured in 2016 on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Vasodilatory shock, also known as distributive shock, describes a condition in which blood vessels become too dilated, decreasing blood pressure and making it difficult for major organs, including the heart, brain and kidneys, to receive enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition, which can be caused by catastrophic infections and severe allergic reactions, is often fatal if not treated quickly.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a blood-clotting disorder. In the rare condition, clotting proteins created in the liver are produced in excess, creating blood clots that block blood supply to major organs.
In the second stage of the disorder, the body runs low on clotting proteins and the platelets that they bind with, causing uncontrolled bleeding throughout the body.
In addition to Escobedo’s primary and secondary causes of death, he was also reportedly dealing with several other contributing factors.
His death certificate reportedly indicated that he was battling sepsis, a condition in which the body’s immune response overreacts and attacks healthy tissue and organs, leading to widespread inflammation and potentially death.
Notably, several of the primary and underlying causes of death listed for Escobedo can be caused by sepsis or occur in conjunction with it.
Escobedo was also reportedly dealing with graft vs. host disease — in which transplanted stem cells begin to attack the body’s existing cells — chronic kidney disease and pneumonia.
Kimmel broke down in tears when he spoke about his decades-long friendship with Escobedo during his monologue on Tuesday, November 11, following the saxophonist’s death earlier that morning
Underlying causes of death for Escobedo were listed as alcoholic liver cirrhosis, vasodilatory shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation; pictured in March 2025 on Jimmy Kimmel Live
He also suffered from multiple contributing health conditions, including sepsis, graft vs. host disease, kidney disease, pneumonia and a compromised immune system; pictured in 2012 with Guillermo Rodriguez (L)
The bandleader was also listed as being immunocompromised at the time of his death.
According to Escobedo’s death certificate, his body was cremated.
Kimmel broke down in tears when he spoke about his decades-long friendship with Escobedo during his monologue on Tuesday, November 11, following the saxophonist’s death earlier that morning.
