ECW Original Balls Mahoney (Jonathan Rechner) has passed away at the age of 44. Tommy Dreamer confirmed the news on Twitter:

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

The former 3 time ECW tag champ recently suffered a fall, broke his hip and required a walker to get around. It’s not clear whether this contributed to his death.

Cried alot tonight. Reading all the stories & Tweets helped alot. I will miss you my friend Balls Balls whoaoo Balls pic.twitter.com/EbnTbw1DUf

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 13, 2016

Mahoney is best known for his ECW tag team Hardcore Chair Swingin’ Freaks, with Axl Rotten, who sadly only recently passed away himself. He also worked for WWE’s ECW revival and made brief appearances for TNA. Outside of the national spotlight he has worked regularly on the independent scene and was still prone to giving and receiving chair shots.

Rest In Peace Balls Mahoney. I will never forget pulling up to the arenas where he would sit outside and read books…and talk to every building employee, fan, or anyone else who came by and wanted to chat. I will never forget how well he treated strangers and how well he treated me. I'll never forget the loop we did together throughout PA & WV. Balls was truly a character, but more than that-a gentleman. Thank you for all good memories.

A photo posted by Justin Roberts (@justinroberts) on Apr 12, 2016 at 8:40pm PDT

So very sad to hear about the passing of Balls Mahoney. #RIP Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) 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

Just found out Balls Mahoney Passed Away..in My over 700 Usa Pro shows I promoted Balls was our greatest champion…Long Time loyal Friend.

— Frank Goodman (@MASKEDMANIACXXX) April 13, 2016

I'm saddened to learn the the wrestling world has lost another brother. Rest in Peace Balls Mahoney. My thoughts are with his family…..

— Brian Heffron (@BlueMeanieBWO) April 13, 2016