Professional wrestler Jonathan Echevarria, best known to fans as Jaka, has died at the age of 39.
Jaka, a former tag team champion in the now-WWE-owned Evolve promotion, was placed in intensive care over the weekend after suffering a heart attack. His family confirmed on Monday morning that he had passed away.
Tributes have poured in from across the wrestling world. Beyond Wrestling, where Jaka competed in 2019, shared an image of him in the ring surrounded by peers, writing: “The original Ace. RIP Jaka.”
Gabe Sapolsky, former Evolve owner and current WWE executive, called the loss “a true tragedy,” adding: “No one will say a bad word about the man. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for everything, Jaka.”
Canadian promotion C*4 Wrestling also paid tribute: “Very saddened to hear the news about Jaka’s passing. He was kind, hardworking, and thoughtful… Rest in peace.”
Over the course of his career, Jaka made appearances for Evolve, Beyond Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and numerous independent promotions. In AEW, he teamed with Sean Maluta against Santana and Ortiz, while his most recent match came in March 2025 for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling.
AEW star Penelope Ford described him as “one of the funniest, kindest and insightful humans I was blessed to have known.”
Jaka’s passing leaves a void in the wrestling community, where he was celebrated not only for his in-ring work but also for his warmth and generosity outside it.
