Former EVOLVE Wrestler Jaka (Jonathan Echevarria) Passes Away at 39 – Former EVOLVE and independent wrestling standout Jaka, real name Jonathan Echevarria, has passed away at the age of 39.
Jaka had been hospitalized last month after suffering a heart attack. He was admitted to the ICU and remained in critical condition before his passing. Beyond Wrestling was the first to announce the news, honoring him as “The original Ace” while paying tribute to his legacy in the ring.
Echevarria built an impressive résumé across the independent wrestling scene. He competed for EVOLVE, Beyond Wrestling, Chikara, CZW, GCW, and several other promotions. In 2018, he performed at WWE WrestleMania Axxess, and the following year, he appeared on AEW Dark: Elevation, teaming with Ortiz and Mike Santana. His last match took place on March 9, 2025, at Boca Raton Championship Wrestling, where he teamed with Sean Maluta and Neil The Heel as part of The Island Kings in a Cruiserweight Title three-on-two handicap match.
Following his heart attack, Jaka’s family launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs and provide support. In a message posted before his passing, his sister Annette described the emotional toll of his condition and the kind of person he was. “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,” she wrote. “Seeing him in this state has been incredibly difficult, but we are staying strong for him and for each other.”
She added that while the family was focused on his recovery, financial challenges were unavoidable. “The hospital bills are already mounting, and we know there will be ongoing costs for physical therapy and support during his time away from work. I would hate for money to become a burden during this already overwhelming time, which is why I’ve created this fundraiser.”
Jaka leaves behind a lasting mark on the independent wrestling community, remembered both for his in-ring ability and the personality that endeared him to fellow wrestlers and fans alike.
Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Facebook, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Google News for more.
Former EVOLVE Wrestler Jaka (Jonathan Echevarria) Passes Away at 39
