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.
[adinserter block=”1″]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

ECW 1999: Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten. photo: wwe.com

Balls Mahoney and ECW owner Paul Heyman

ECW Hardcore TV 1997. photo: wwe.com