Jimmy Kimmel's Childhood Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59
Jimmy Kimmel has launched two fundraisers in memory of his childhood friend and the late bandleader of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Cleto Escobedo III, who died on Tuesday at the age of 59. The news came as a shock to fans, with Kimmel himself visibly emotional during his Tuesday night monologue.
Escobedo's contributions to the show went far beyond his music skills, as he was an integral part of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" team and was known for his kind heart and generosity. "Cleto was always kind and eager to help others," wrote Kimmel in a social media post alongside photos of Escobedo with his family and friends.
The fundraisers are aimed at celebrating Escobedo's life, with the first one supporting UCLA Medical Center, where he received treatment following complications from a liver transplant. The hospital has thanked Kimmel for his support, stating that the donations will help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during difficult times.
Kimmel has also launched a fundraiser in honor of Escobedo's love of animals, with the @TheAnimalFoundation in Las Vegas receiving donations in his name. According to the foundation's page, Cleto was a compassionate animal lover who would have been overjoyed by fans helping to provide safety and homes for pets in need.
Escobedo's cause of death was revealed to be cardiogenic shock related to complications from the liver transplant. As Kimmel paid tribute to his friend during his monologue, he described Escobedo as "the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person." The late-night host praised their close friendship, stating that Escobedo had been a source of love and support in his life.
Kimmel's fundraisers are a testament to the lasting impact of Escobedo's legacy on those who knew him. By supporting these causes, fans can help ensure that Cleto's memory lives on and that others in need receive the care and assistance they require.
Jimmy Kimmel has launched two fundraisers in memory of his childhood friend and the late bandleader of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Cleto Escobedo III, who died on Tuesday at the age of 59. The news came as a shock to fans, with Kimmel himself visibly emotional during his Tuesday night monologue.
Escobedo's contributions to the show went far beyond his music skills, as he was an integral part of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" team and was known for his kind heart and generosity. "Cleto was always kind and eager to help others," wrote Kimmel in a social media post alongside photos of Escobedo with his family and friends.
The fundraisers are aimed at celebrating Escobedo's life, with the first one supporting UCLA Medical Center, where he received treatment following complications from a liver transplant. The hospital has thanked Kimmel for his support, stating that the donations will help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during difficult times.
Kimmel has also launched a fundraiser in honor of Escobedo's love of animals, with the @TheAnimalFoundation in Las Vegas receiving donations in his name. According to the foundation's page, Cleto was a compassionate animal lover who would have been overjoyed by fans helping to provide safety and homes for pets in need.
Escobedo's cause of death was revealed to be cardiogenic shock related to complications from the liver transplant. As Kimmel paid tribute to his friend during his monologue, he described Escobedo as "the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person." The late-night host praised their close friendship, stating that Escobedo had been a source of love and support in his life.
Kimmel's fundraisers are a testament to the lasting impact of Escobedo's legacy on those who knew him. By supporting these causes, fans can help ensure that Cleto's memory lives on and that others in need receive the care and assistance they require.
just heard about Cleto Escobedo III... what a bummer 
he was like a part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! fam for so long 
his kindness & generosity were super inspiring 
gotta give it up to Jim Kimmel for starting those fundraisers to help out UCLA Medical Center and The Animal Foundation 
love how he's keeping Cleto's memory alive 
. i feel bad for jimmy kimmel too, he was really good at paying tribute to his friend. its weird how u think about ur childhood friends and what ur gonna do when they pass away... anyway, im glad jimmy is using this opportunity to give back to the community. lets hope it raises a lot of money 4 the good causes!
. And I love that Kimmel is honoring his friend's love for animals too! 
It just goes to show how we should all be looking out for one another, especially during tough times 
so sad! anyway i'm glad jk's got fundraisers set up to celebrate cleto's life & help ppl in need. it's a great way to honor his memory & legacy 
their friendship was super strong, it's crazy how much he meant to him 
... jimmy kimmel seems like he's been really close to cleto for ages 
, supporting UCLA Medical Center where cleto got treatment after the liver transplant 
... and also the animal foundation in las vegas @TheAnimalFoundation 
... fans are gonna miss him so much 
, but by supporting these causes we can keep his memory alive and help others too 
I feel bad for Jimmy Kimmel but let's be real, 59 is still pretty young 
, always willing to lend a helping hand and support others in need. I guess that's what we're going to miss most about him now... 