Jonathan Rechner, who is known by the stage name Balls Mahoney and wrestled for World Wrestling Entertainment under the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) brand, passed away on April 12 at the age of 44. The cause of his death has not been announced.
The news came via the Twitter account of Johnny Candido, whose brother Chris—also a wrestler—was friends with Rechner, before passing away in 2005. Rechner named his son Christopher to honor Candido.
@TurnbuckleMag @apter1wrestling balls mahoney just passed away, I’m at a loss 4 words but feel I need to tell every1 pic.twitter.com/fyHEwo6WmZ
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
Rechner was with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1995–96, before joining the ECW where he was a three-time ECW World Tag Team Champion. He was tag team partners with Axl Rotten, who also died at the age of 44 earlier this year. After the ECW folded in 2001, Rechner was an independent wrestler before joining WWE again from 2005–08.
WWE has also confirmed the news of Rechner’s passing.
.@OnPointWrestlin wants to take this time to send condolences to the family and friends of #BallsMahoney. #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/6erLSzduAU
— #OnPointWrestling (@OnPointWrestlin) April 13, 2016
I’ll miss you brother, had a blast hanging with you n duking it out w you, love you bubba pic.twitter.com/CGrXqacQzq
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
Although no official word has come out about how he died, Candido says Rechner died suddenly at home.
I heard there’s rumors that balls shot himself n this n that, that’s all false, he died suddenly at home
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016
At a loss for words, love you brother, you’ll be missed, rip Balls Mahoney pic.twitter.com/xAFsschzXK
— jonnycandido (@Candido118) April 13, 2016