The wrestling world is mourning the passing of Jonathan Echevarria a.k.a. Jaka, who died this past weekend after suffering a heart attack earlier this month.
Echevarria, 39, was fighting for his life last week after suffering a heart attack, and the wrestling community rallied behind him by supporting a GoFundMe campaign for the Florida-based performer.
Many performers and promoters have shared their memories and tributes for Jaka:
Priscilla Kelly:
Jaka made me feel so at home when I first came to Evolve. I was maybe 18, nervous and shy and he immediately made me feel welcomed and comfortable. He felt like a big brother. The kindest, silliest, sweetheart of a man. And I guarantee anyone that knew him would agree.
Anthony Henry:
Jaka was my guy. Always lit up a room and was an asset to any room he walked into. If you know anything about the history of @RealJDDrake and I, you know he played a pivotal role in the #workhorsemen existing at all. I am forever grateful to him. He is incredibly missed.
Gabe Sapolsky:
A true tragedy. No one will say a bad word about the man. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for everything, Jaka
Ortiz:
I hate that a bigger audience didn’t get to experience how good jaka really was. For those who have, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I love you tio…rest easy my brother….
Drew Cordeiro:
Never been one to “take the pictures” so I’m sorry if this doesn’t seem appropriate given the circumstances. I got to speak at length with Chris last night and really reminisce about everything we were able to accomplish together. Jaka was so instrumental in the early days. RIP.
John Silver:
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
Alex Reynolds:
He was always the best person to share a locker room with. Absolutely hilarious, so kind, and loved pro wrestling so much. RIP Jaka
Erick Stevens:
Jaka had the kind of warm, welcoming personality that made you second guess yourself and think “Wait, have we met before?” In the ring, he had a unique style and a special brand of charisma that demanded your attention.
Chris Brookes:
I’ve been ever so lucky that most of these have already happened now but it’s really sad that one never will. Rest in peace, Jaka. I was entranced by you and those lucky enough to know you personally seemed even more so.
Kevin Ku:
jaka would randomly message me after our trios match just say what’s up and it was always a highlight. i was over the moon when i found we’d be in the ring for his return and i’ll always keep that with me. rest in power and i’ll be yelling yeowwwww so much now
Dominic Garrini:
I got to travel a good amount with Jaka in 2018 during our Evolve run. One of the kindest and nicest people in the business. An amazingly underrated talent and an amazing human. RIP
Tony Deppen:
Wrestling is weird: you meet ppl you would have never met before if you didn’t do this, and when they pass it effects you; but wouldn’t have if you never wrestled The hardest thing about wrestling is losing good ppl. Rip Jaka. Love you. Rest easy brother
Mike Santana:
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