He lived in Richardson, Texas and was born with cerebal palsy. He took up riding at the age of 2 and by 5 he began therapy at Equest, a riding centre in Wylie, Texas where he began to take part in vaulting and jumping.
Just last month Jonathan competed in his first Parlaympics at Greenwich park with his fantastic ride, NTEC Richter Scale. He finished a brilliant 4th place in the Grade 1b individual, which was won by Joann Formosa and then 5th place in the freestyle. Jonathan was the highest placed American rider in both the Paralympics and Olympics at London 2012.
Born with cerebal palsy, Jonathan was a brilliant sportsman at this years Paralympics and will have touched the hearts of many.
It was Jonathans first Paralympics with his beautiful ride, NTEC Richter Scale but the talented combination competed at the world championships in 2010 and went on to win the United States Equestrian Foundation national para-equestrian championship the following year.
Parents, James and Tina Wentz posted the tragic news of the death of their son, on his facebook page.
"It is with a heavy and numb heart that we notify everyone of the tremendous loss of our precious son Jonathan."
They continued "He was taken suddenly from us and has left a hole in our lives that will never be filled.
"He loved getting to fulfill his dream of representing the US at the Paralympics. He soaked in every minute in London enjoying getting to meet new friends, hang with his team, see new sights and compete against the best in the world.
"He loved life and lived it each day giving his all towards his riding, school, family and friends. We do not understand why his life on this earth was so short, but we celebrate every day we were given to love, laugh and enjoy our amazing son.
"We rejoice in the knowledge that he is with the Lord, riding and running like never before. Thank you to everyone who shared a part of his life, it was an amazing ride."
This is the tragic story of a talented young sportsman clearly taken too soon and before his time. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
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