A beloved professional wrestler who spent nearly two decades performing his craft has died, a little more than week after suffering a heart attack following his final ring appearance.
Jonathan Echevarria, who was known professionally as Jaka, died Sunday, one week after competing at Boca Raton Pro Wrestling in Florida. Echevarria was only 39 years old.
The Sun first reported news of Echevarria’s death. Others confirmed the tragedy with their tributes on social media.
The original Ace. RIP Jaka. pic.twitter.com/UE8yw72v7X
— Beyond Wrestling (@beyondwrestling) September 8, 2025
“The original Ace. RIP Jaka,” wrote Beyond Wrestling on X/Twitter.
“Rest in Peace, Jaka. It was an absolute honor to have known you for the past 12+ years. I love you, my brother. Prayers to his family and friends. Absolutely gutted right now,” added MLW ring announcer Rich Palladino.
“Heartbreaking. RIP Jaka,” added Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.
A career and life cut short
Echevarria made his pro wrestling debut in 2007 and had stints at Beyond Wrestling, Chikara, CZW and GCW.
Echavarria also was a member of EVOLVE when the circuit was affiliated with WWE. He became a tag team champion with the company.
Chris Dickison, Echevarria’s former EVOLVE tag team partner and close friend, has yet to comment on his death publicly. However, Dickison did post a tribute to Echevarria on Instagram last Friday.
“It has been the most difficult time the last few days processing this,” Dickison said at the time. “For anyone that I haven’t messaged or called back. I’m sorry. I’ve just been trying to deal with it. Unfortunately, Jonathan my best friend for the better part of the last 30 years has suffered a heart attack.”
“If you don’t know him just know he is belove,” Dickison added. “Whether you knew him or not, maybe you have a memory of him in the ring, any interaction where he made you smile. Just think of him and send all your positivity, prayers, and loving energy into the universe for him.”
