Wrestling star James Pasquale – known by his stage name Jimmy the Jester – has died following a car crash aged 34.
The New Jersey-based fighter is reported to have passed away after suffering serious injuries in a collision.
Tributes have poured in for the pro fighter, who began his pro career in 2019 and was a member of the Monster Factory, a top wrestling school established in 1983.
During his career he competed in WWWA, Lucha Riot, Titan Championship Wrestling Entertainment, Atomic Championship Wrestling and Stand Alone Wrestling.
Members of the wrestling community shared their sadness at losing the self-proclaimed ‘The Clown Prince of Professional Wrestling’ at such a young age.
Wrestling star James Pasquale – known by his stage name Jimmy the Jester – has died following a car crash aged 34. Pictured at a fight with Ryan Nova in 2021
Tributes have poured in for the pro wrestler, who began fighting in 2019 and was a member of the famous Monster Factory wrestling school. Pictured winning a Tag Team Turmoil fight in 2021
Monster Factory’s owner Danny Cage expressed his sadness at the wrestler’s loss on Twitter: ‘I just lost somebody that I was hoping would walk through the doors of monster factory again & be the charismatic goof he always was.
‘Then I heard he was planning to come back. Going to miss you Jimmy the Jester!’
Missy Sampson, a coach at the school, shared on Twitter: ‘We @4MonsterFactory lost one of our own in Jimmy The Jester!
‘He was a funny guy with a heart of gold! Gone too soon! Please hug your friends and family and remind them you love them!
‘Say a prayer for his family and friends! Till we see you again buddy!’
Commissioner Gabby Ortiz wrote on Twitter, ‘We lost one of our brothers today. Really tough news to hear. RIP Jimmy.’
Ortiz and other stars of the world famous wrestling school attended by Pasquale feature in a recently released documentary about fighters trying to become professionals on Apple TV.
Monster Factory’s owner Danny Cage paid tribute to the wrestler, saying he had hoped to see him return to the school. Pictured after winning a Tag Team Turmoil fight in 2021
Friends and fellow members of the wrestling community paid tribute to Jimmy’s humor and positive energy. Pictured during a Tag Team Turmoil fight in 2021
Pasquale made a name for himself on the wrestling circuit with his high-flying moves and technical skills.
He quickly became a fan favorite and won numerous championships during his career.
The Jester’s death was announced by his friend Kevin Protyvniak on Facebook, where he shared pictures of them together.
‘So sad to hear about the loss of James Pasquale. You were a great friend for over a decade, there through thick and thin.’
Debbie Perrelli, who knew him while they were at Belvidere High School in New Jersey together, shared the news with fellow alumni.
‘I was just informed that James Pasquale, Class of 2006, lost his life today due to a car accident.
She added that ‘those of us who knew him while he was in high school will appreciate his career path’ before saying: ‘Rest in Peace Jimmy. Gone too soon for sure.
‘You will be sorely missed by many. Thank you for making us laugh.’
And a heartfelt tribute from a woman called Erin Trzeciak, who appears to have been Jimmy’s partner, described the wrestler as having been ‘such a light in my life’.
The New Jersey-based fighter is reported to have passed away after suffering serious injuries in a collision
‘My heart feels so heavy today, never in a million years did I think that I would be writing this.
‘James Pasquale, you emulated such an contagious bright energy wherever you went.
‘You gave me the courage to express myself however I wanted, and always made the unconditional love you had known, I don’t even know the person I would be now if I hadn’t had you in my life.
‘This doesn’t feel real, I cant even begin to wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. Thank you for being such a light in my life and for so so many amazing memories. You’re loved by so many people and will be very missed Jimmy’.
The wrestling star also worked as a tumbling coach at a gymnastics club, with the mother of one of his young pupils calling him ‘the best and most fun coach’ and saying they were both ‘devastated’ by his loss.
Find Yourself Wrestling has announced that it will be honoring Jimmy the Jester at an upcoming show on April 29.
Paying their respects, they said: ‘We here at FYW are very saddened to hear of the passing of James Pasquale AKA Jimmy the Jester.’
