Jonathan ‘Jaka’ Echevarria, 39, Dies After Heart Attack Following Match

Jonathan “Jaka” Echevarria, a veteran of the independent wrestling circuit affiliated with WWE’s EVOLVE brand, has died at age 39 after suffering a heart attack following a match, wrestling colleagues and reports said.

Echevarria made his final public appearance Aug. 31 at a Boca Raton Pro Wrestling event and was hospitalized less than a week later after the cardiac episode, according to reports. News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from wrestlers and promotions who worked with him over his career.

Chris Dickison, Echevarria’s longtime tag-team partner and friend of three decades, described him as “beloved” in an emotional Instagram post and said Echevarria had been healthy until the sudden health emergency. "Whether you knew him or not, maybe you have a memory of him in the ring, any interaction where he made you smile,” Dickison wrote alongside photographs of the two together.

Echevarria competed frequently for EVOLVE, a promotion that has maintained ties to WWE, and was a regular for New England-based Beyond Wrestling. He was a stablemate of Angel Ortiz and Mike Santana and worked in tag-team and singles competition on the independent scene under the ring name Jaka.

Angel Ortiz, who now appears for All Elite Wrestling, posted on X, "I love you tio," along with a highlight clip of Echevarria. Santana wrote on his Instagram story, "Gutted." Wrestler John Silver tweeted, "RIP Jaka. Always a pleasure sharing a locker room and joking around with you. This night in the picture was one of the funniest nights of my life. You will be missed."

Echevarria’s loved ones established a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses from his hospitalization. Among the donors listed on the campaign was Tony Khan, CEO and president of All Elite Wrestling, according to the fundraiser page and posts from peers.

Peers and promoters lauded Echevarria’s contributions to the independent circuit, noting his presence in EVOLVE and Beyond Wrestling events and his role in developing local shows. Those who worked with him described him as a steady hand in locker rooms and a performer who connected with fans.

No statement from WWE was immediately available. Details about funeral arrangements or memorial services had not been announced as of the latest reports.

Echevarria’s death is the latest in a string of sudden health incidents to touch professional wrestling’s independent ranks, a sector that has long relied on a network of peers and promotions to support performers dealing with medical crises. The GoFundMe campaign remains active as friends and colleagues continue to share memories and highlights of his career.