Independent Wrestler Jaka Dies at 39 After Heart Attack

Independent wrestler Jonathan Echevarria, known as Jaka, has died at the age of 39 following a heart attack that left him in critical condition in the ICU. His family had set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical bills and ongoing recovery costs. Jaka debuted in 2007 and was well known for his work in Beyond Wrestling, where he was part of Team Pazuzu alongside Mike Santana and Ortiz, as well as for EVOLVE, where he was a two-time Tag Team Champion with Chris Dickinson. He also wrestled for other promotions including Chikara, GCW, CZW, and appeared at WWE WrestleMania Axxess in 2018 and on AEW Dark: Elevation in 2021. Tributes poured in from peers and promotions, highlighting his kind, hardworking nature and the positive energy he brought to the wrestling community. The wrestling world mourns the loss of a beloved figure remembered as a fun and lovable presence both in and out of the ring.