New information surrounding the passing of Jimmy Kimmel's band leader has been uncovered.
Less than a week after he died at age 59, Cleto Escobedo III's immediate cause of death was revealed to be cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ Nov. 14.
Additionally, the document cited underlying causes as vasodilatory shock—or blood vessel dilation—and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is blood clotting that blocks blood flow to organs, per the outlet.
And blood-related conditions weren't the only health issues named in the certificate. Alcoholic cirrhosis—or advanced liver damage caused by excessive, long-term alcohol consumption—was also determined to be a contributor to his passing, as well as sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppressed, chronic kidney disease and pneumonia, according to TMZ.
Cleto's tragic passing was first announced on Nov. 11, when Jimmy shared a heartbreaking tribute to the musician, who served as the Jimmy Kimmel Live! band leader since the show's debut in 2003.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy wrote on Instagram at the time. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
Shortly after, the TV personality tearfully reflected on his lifelong friendship with the instrumentalist, who he met when he was 9 years old in their hometown of Las Vegas.
"We had so many adventures. We would laugh so hard," Jimmy, 57, said during the Nov. 11 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. "We had our own language that almost no one else understood. We didn't even have to say anything. We would sit here in rehearsal every day. We didn't have to look at each other."
Since then, the comedian has also shared how he plans to keep Cleto's legacy alive, noting that he's starting a fund for the medical team that gave the instrumentalist "incredible care" during his health battle and The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas in honor of his late friend's "love of animals."
As Jimmy wrote on Instagram Nov. 14, "Cleto was always kind and eager to help others."
For more stars who have paid tribute to Cleto in the wake of his passing, keep reading.
Jimmy Kimmel
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy Kimmel shared to Instagram Nov. 11. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
The talk show host added that he and Cleto “have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”
“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true,” Jimmy continued. “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Shelia E.
“With a heavy heart we have lost a dear friend Cleto Escobedo,” the "Glamorous Life" artist posted to Instagram Nov. 11. “I met Cleto in 1994 and in 1995 I produced a song on his album. We always joked about being related and we did try to find out.”
She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”
“I’m so heartbroken there are no words,” she added. “My prayers go out to his wife and kids, Jimmy Kimmel, family and friends. You will be missed. I love u rest well.”
Paula Abdul
The “Straight Up” singer shared a sweet tribute Instagram Nov. 11 saying, “My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III.”
Noting she first met Cleto when he was playing the saxophone at a small bar at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, Paula recalled, “I was putting together my band for my first world tour and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn’t have any touring experience yet.”
She gushed that Cleto’s “talent and energy were undeniable” and that she was thrilled to see him “have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage,” she wrote. “Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him.”
Adam Scott
“RIP the great Cleto Escobedo III,” the Severance actor posted to Instagram Nov. 11. “Such a kind, talented guy who will be sorely missed. Lots of love to Cleto’s family and everyone at @jimmykimmellive.”
Eric Stonestreet
“So sorry to hear this Jimmy,” the Modern Family alum commented on Jimmy’s post. “He was AWESOME. Love to his family.”
Johnny Knoxville
The Reboot alum shared three red hearts on Jimmy’s tribute, writing, “Love to u, cleto and his whole family.”
Wanda Skyes
“Heartbreaking,” the comedian posted. “So, very sorry.”
Jeffrey Ross
The comedian commented, “Love you Love to his incredible family.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
The Seinfeld star shared her condolences on Jimmy’s remembrance, writing, “Oh no. I’m so so sorry.”
Ike Barinholtz
“So sorry man,” the Studio star added on Jimmy’s post. “Love you Cleto.”