What led to Jimmy Kimmel's childhood friend, bandleader's death?
What's the story
Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a close friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11 at the age of 59. His cause of death has now been revealed as cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. The immediate cause was listed in his death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Additional factors
Other underlying causes of Escobedo's death
The death certificate also lists vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver as underlying causes. Other contributing conditions include sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. Cardiogenic shock can be caused by a "large or severe heart attack," but not everyone who has a heart attack gets cardiogenic shock, per Mayo Clinic.
Tribute
Escobedo's hospitalization and Kimmel's emotional tribute
Escobedo was hospitalized last week, leading Kimmel to cancel his November 6 taping to be by his friend's side. In a heartfelt tribute on the November 11 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, an emotional Kimmel remembered Escobedo as someone who was "much too young to go." He shared stories of their childhood adventures and a unique language that only they understood.
Legacy
Escobedo's legacy on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
Escobedo led his band, Cleto and the Cletones, for nearly 23 years. He was also a child prodigy who toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul before joining Kimmel's show. In a tribute to his friend on Instagram, Kimmel called Escobedo a "great friend, father, son, musician and man." He also asked fans to keep Escobedo's family in their prayers during this difficult time.