Former EVOLVE wrestler Jaka passes away at 39 years old
Jonathan Echevarria, an independent wrestler who worked for many promotions including Beyond Wrestling and EVOLVE under the name Jaka, has passed away.
Beyond was the first to confirm the news, writing: “The original Ace. RIP Jaka.”
On Thursday, Jaka’s family announced that the 39 year old was in the intensive care unit and in critical condition after suffering a heart attack. A GoFundMe was launched shortly thereafter to cover medical expenses.
“Jonathan is the kind of person who brings laughter and energy wherever he goes—a fun, lovable pain in the butt who means the world to us,” his sister Annette wrote at the time. “Seeing him in this state has been incredibly difficult, but we are staying strong for him and for each other.”
Jaka made his pro wrestling debut in 2007 and wrestled for various promotions including FIP, Chikara, CZW, Wrestling is Fun, and GCW. He is a former EVOLVE Tag Team Champion with Chris Dickinson. In Beyond Wrestling, he was part of Team Pazuzu with Mike Santana and Ortiz. He also worked an episode of AEW Dark: Elevation in 2021 and had a match during WWE’s WrestleMania Axxess event in 2018.