Former EVOLVE wrestler Jaka (Jonathan Echevarria) is battling for his life after suffering a heart attack.
Jaka’s family announced on Thursday that he is currently in the intensive care unit and in critical condition. A GoFundMe campaign — which has already raised more than $13,000 in just a few hours — has been started to help assist him with medical bills and the other expenses he’s going to face in his recovery.
“He is currently in the ICU after suffering a heart attack and remains in critical condition. Our family is holding tightly to faith, praying for his complete healing and full restoration,” Jaka’s sister Annette wrote. “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. Seeing him in this state has been incredibly difficult, but we are staying strong for him and for each other.”
A $5,000 donation to the GoFundMe was made by AEW’s Tony Khan. In addition to his indie work, Jaka wrestled one match for AEW on an episode of Dark: Elevation in 2021 and worked a match at WWE WrestleMania Axxess in 2018
Jaka is a former EVOLVE Tag Team Champion, holding the titles twice with Chris Dickinson. He and Dickinson were stablemates in both Catch Point and Team Pazuzu.
Anthony Henry tweeted: “If you are able, please donate to my friend Jaka. I’ve battled this dude so many times and know how tough he is. He will make it through, but this is a horrible time he is going through, and any help is appreciated.”
