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New details have emerged about the death of Cleto Escobedo III, the saxophonist and longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel. Officials have now listed specific medical causes on his death certificate, shedding light on the complications that followed a recent liver transplant.
What officials recorded as the cause of death
The Los Angeles death certificate lists cardiogenic shock as the primary cause of death. Medical examiners also identified several serious conditions that contributed to his passing.
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- Primary cause: Cardiogenic shock
- Listed underlying causes: Vasodilatory shock; disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver
- Additional contributing conditions: Sepsis; graft-versus-host disease; immunosuppression; chronic kidney disease; pneumonia
Brief medical context for key terms
- Cardiogenic shock: A critical state where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Vasodilatory shock: Low blood pressure from widened blood vessels, which can follow severe infection or inflammation.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation: A dangerous clotting disorder that consumes clotting factors and can lead to bleeding and organ failure.
- Alcoholic cirrhosis: Long-term liver scarring often caused by prolonged alcohol use. This was tied to his need for a transplant.
Timeline: hospitalization and transplant complications
Sources say Escobedo had been in the hospital following a liver transplant. Complications from that procedure appeared central to the cascade of health issues.
- Hospitalized in the days before his death for post-transplant care.
- Suffered infections and immune-related complications while recovering.
- Died at age 59 after multiple organ complications were documented on his death certificate.
How Jimmy Kimmel and the show responded
Jimmy Kimmel paused production to be with his friend during the hospitalization. He canceled a scheduled taping and later took time off from the late-night show after Escobedo’s death.
- Kimmel canceled a November taping to visit Escobedo in the hospital.
- Following the musician’s passing, the host postponed shows midweek to grieve.
- On the program he returned to, Kimmel spoke emotionally about their decades-long friendship and the shared humor that bound them.
Escobedo’s musical role and personal legacy
Cleto Escobedo III led Cleto and the Cletones for nearly 23 years. He was a fixture of the late-night band and a close friend to the host.
- Bandleader: Head of Cleto and the Cletones for over two decades.
- Family ties: His father performed with him on tenor and alto sax in the band.
- Remembered for: His musicianship, warmth, and long friendship with Kimmel.
