Jimmy Kimmel’s best friend and band leader - Cleto Escobedo III - cause of death revealed

American television host Jimmy Kimmel’s best friend and band leader - Cleto Escobedo III - passed away after suffering cardiogenic shock, it has been reported. The rare condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body.

The 59-year-old, who led the band on hit TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, died on Tuesday (November 11) and his cause of death was revealed after showbiz website TMZ obtained a copy of his death certificate.

Vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver were listed as underlying causes, the site reported. Sepsis, graft versus host disease, immunosuppressed, chronic kidney disease and pneumonia, also contributed to Cleto's death.

Meanwhile, Kimmel has announced two fundraising initiatives in honour of his late friend, writing on Instagram: "Cleto was always kind and eager to help others. As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back.

"The first is for UCLA Medical Center where he received such incredible care. Together we can help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times. @UCLAHealth. And to honor his love of animals, the @TheAnimalFoundation in our hometown of Las Vegas.”

The late-night host broke down in tears this week as he paid tribute to Cleto during his show, saying: "We've been on the air for almost 23 years and I've had to do some hard monologues along the way, but this one's the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young."

He revealed how the pair grew up in the same street in Las Vegas and added: "Everyone loves Cleto... We are devastated by this. It's not… It's just not fair.”

"He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person. There is no one in my life I felt more comfortable with."

Cleto's father, Cleto Escobedo Sr, who plays tenor and alto saxophone in the Cletones, performed with the band on Tuesday night's episode, and Cleto's mother was in the studio audience.

When news of Cleto’s passing broke, Kimmel paid tribute to "a great friend, father, son, musician and man", and added: "Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.

“Cleto and I 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. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers."