Balls Mahoney Death

Balls Mahoney Death – Heart Attack

Balls Mahoney, Dead at 44. photo: wwe.com

1972-2016 (age 44)

Jonathan Rechner, known to ECW fans as Balls Mahoney, died on April 12th, 2016. Rechner died from a heart attack. He was 44 years old.

Just two months prior to his death, Balls Mahoney’s former ECW tag partner, Axl Rotten passed away after suffering from a heroin overdose.

Several other wrestlers passed in 2016 including Blackjack Mulligan, Mr. Fuji, Iron Mike Sharpe, and Frenchy Martin.

On October 21st, 2016, the Boston Globe reported that CTE was discovered in Rechner’s brain. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given the hardcore nature of Balls Mahoney’ wrestling style.

Earlier this year, we wrote a piece about CTE and the ongoing concussion lawsuit against the WWE.

The WWE, along with Mahoney’s former colleagues, have taken to Twitter to pay respects:

WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of ECW Superstar Balls Mahoney. pic.twitter.com/Ox8dnQih6R

— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2016

I am beyond sad to announce my friend ECW Original Balls Mahoney has passed away. I just spoke w/his wife. pic.twitter.com/OAs3vOmGEH

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 13, 2016

I am truly saddened to hear of Balls Mahoney’s passing . Please say hi to Chris for me John . My thoughts and condolences to his family .

— Al Snow (@TheRealAlSnow) April 13, 2016