Independent Veteran Jaka Passes Away Following Heart Attack

Jaka, known for his work in Beyond Wrestling and more, has passed away following a heart attack last week. Beyond Wrestling reports that Jaka, real name Jonathan Echevarria, had passed away in a post to social media in which they wrote:

“The original Ace. RIP Jaka.”

It was reported on Friday that Jaka had suffered a heart attack and was in the ICU.

Jaka began his wrestling career in 2007 and was a regular performer for Beyond Wrestling, particularly in the earlier part of his career. He additionally worked for companies like Full Impact Pro, CHIKARA, and EVOLVE. He and Chris Dickinson defended the EVOLVE Tag Team Championships against Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan at WrestleMania Axxess 2018. He worked one episode of AEW Dark: Elevation in October of 2021.

During his career, Jaka held the EVOLVE Tag Team Championships twice (both times with Dickinson), as well as both the FIP Tag Team Championships and the BRCW Tag Team Championships with Sean Maluta.

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Echevarria.

The original Ace. RIP Jaka. pic.twitter.com/UE8yw72v7X

— Beyond Wrestling (@beyondwrestling) September 8, 2025