The wrestling world lost one of the original stars of Extreme Championship Wrestling on Tuesday.
Jonathan Rechner, known as Balls Mahoney to wrestling fans, died Tuesday at the age of 44. The cause of death is not yet known.
Wrestler Johnny Candido was the first to announce the devastating news, which was later confirmed by WWE, with a series of tweets.
@WrestlingNewsCo @OfficialPWI @apter1wrestling 1 of my best friends/another brother just passed away, balls mahoney pic.twitter.com/nei7RcVSQM
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/Candido118/status/720062996568018944
At a loss for words, love you brother, you'll be missed, rip Balls Mahoney pic.twitter.com/xAFsschzXK
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
@dannydemanto my friend lives on his block, said there were ambulances n cops there so I called him n his wife picked up crying n told me
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
Many wrestlers remembered Mahoney, who was a three-time ECW tag team champion, through tweets after the news became public.
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/720080356947423233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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
R.I.P. Balls Mahoney
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) April 13, 2016
Balls Mahoney was my first opponent in ECW. It saddens me that I am now the only survivor from our WrestlePalooza PPV match. #RIP
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) April 13, 2016
Truly bummed to hear about Balls Mahoney's passing. His enthusiasm was infectious. Just a fun guy to be around. #AveSatanas
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) April 13, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@WWE
