Wrestler Jonathan Echevarria, known as Jaka, dies at 39 after heart attack
The EVOLVE stalwart suffered a heart attack days after his final match; tag partner Chris Dickinson and colleagues paid tribute as a fundraiser was launched
Jonathan Echevarria, a 39-year-old professional wrestler best known by his ring name Jaka, died Sunday after suffering a heart attack in the days following his final in-ring appearance, his colleagues said.
Echevarria wrestled for the last time on Aug. 31 for Boca Raton Pro Wrestling and had been hospitalized after the cardiac event. He was unable to recover, and tributes poured in from across the wrestling community.
He was best known for his work with EVOLVE, including holding the EVOLVE Tag Team Championships twice alongside longtime tag partner Chris Dickinson. Dickinson, who has been described by peers as Echevarria's closest friend, posted an emotional message to social media after Echevarria suffered the heart attack, calling it “the most difficult time” and asking fans to send positivity and prayers. Dickinson, who did not immediately comment following Echevarria’s death, had earlier written that Echevarria was a "healthy 39 year old man" and expressed hope for his recovery.
A GoFundMe organized to help with medical and related expenses attracted donations from across the industry. Among the contributors was All Elite Wrestling CEO and President Tony Khan, who added $5,000 to the fundraiser. Other wrestlers and promotions also posted tributes and shared memories of Echevarria’s work in regional and national promotions.
Echevarria built a reputation on the independent circuit, competing for New England-based Beyond Wrestling in a stable with Angel Ortiz and Mike Santana, both of whom posted messages of grief and remembrance. Ortiz wrote "I love you tio" on social media alongside a highlight video, while Santana described himself as "gutted" on his Instagram story. Over the years, Echevarria shared the ring with nationally known performers including MJF, Tommaso Ciampa and Keith Lee.
EVOLVE was affiliated with WWE at various points during Echevarria’s tenure there, and his tag-team work with Dickinson drew attention from larger promotions and national audiences. Colleagues and former opponents recalled his in-ring presence and the camaraderie he showed to fellow wrestlers and fans.
Promoters and peers emphasized Echevarria’s contributions to the independent scene and noted the suddenness of his collapse following what had been announced as his final match. Officials have not publicly released further medical details beyond the report that he suffered a heart attack.
Family statements have not been released publicly, and Dickinson’s initial posts requesting privacy and time to process the events indicated the close personal ties within Echevarria’s circle. The fundraiser page remains active for those who wish to contribute toward expenses related to his hospitalization and memorial arrangements.
Echevarria’s death drew reflections on the physical demands of professional wrestling and the bonds formed on the independent circuit, where performers frequently travel and work multiple dates in crowded schedules. Promoters and peers have urged fans to respect the family’s privacy while memorials and tributes are organized.
No additional information about services or a formal memorial had been released as of Monday.