Escobedo, who led the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band since the show premiered in 2003, died at age 59<\/p>\n
\n\tJimmy Kimmel<\/a>\u00a0has launched two fundraisers in memory of Cleto Escobedo III, his childhood friend and the longtime bandleader of\u00a0Jimmy Kimmel Live!<\/a> Escobedo died on Tuesday at the age of 59.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cCleto 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,\u201d wrote Kimmel in a social media post alongside photos of Escobedo and his family with their dog, and an image of Kimmel and his friend. \u201cThe 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,\u201d continued the late-night host. \u201cAnd to honor his love of animals, the\u00a0@TheAnimalFoundation\u00a0in our hometown of Las Vegas.\u201d <\/p>\n \n\tIn his bio, Kimmel linked to the UCLA Health fundraiser page<\/a>, which reads, \u201cIn memory of our friend Cleto, we\u2019d like to thank all the hardworking specialists, doctors, and nurses at UCLA. They worked tirelessly and generously to give him the best care. \u2026 To honor his generous spirit, we\u2019d like to help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe host also pointed fans to the Animal Foundation<\/a>, which is based in Las Vegas, where he and Escobedo grew up. \u201cCleto was a compassionate animal lover. He loved each of his rescue dogs like they were family,\u201d read the foundation\u2019s page. \u201cCleto would have loved his friends and family helping to provide safety, healing and homes for pets in need.\u201d <\/p>\n \t\tTrending Stories<\/p>\n \n\tEscobedo died at UCLA Medical Center following complications related to a liver transplant. His cause of death<\/a> was later revealed to be due to cardiogenic shock. <\/p>\n