Jason David Frank, best known for being one of the original Power Rangers, has passed away at the age of forty-nine…
Jason David Frank was best known for his role as Tommy Oliver from the hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
He was the original Green and White Ranger and throughout the show, he gained a large following from kids who have grown up alongside his character.
But he was more than just a Power Ranger…
He was also an internationally recognized martial artist.
Back in 2010, he even took on a new challenge and made his MMA debut at the Legacy Fighting Championship in Texas.
According to the Rising Sun Karate website, he won his first-ever match, proving his talent.
His passion for martial arts began at a young age.
He reportedly began training in Karate at just 4 years old!
And his effort clearly paid off, as he earned an Eighth Degree Black Belt and went on to teach Karate for several decades.
Throughout the ’90s, Frank set up a number of martial arts schools to help teach children, one of which was the Rising Sun Karate Corp.
As a teacher, he merged different forms of martial arts during his lessons, which won him various awards.
Including the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classics Master Appreciation Award and the Black Belt Hall of Fame Award.
His achievements were impressive, and he was clearly a natural at working with children.
Frank’s love life was a little more complicated, he was married twice, first to Shawna Frank in 1994, with who he shared 3 children, but the pair later divorced in 2001.
The star then tied the knot with Tammie Frank.
They were together for nineteen years and had one child, but sadly they separated in July after reports that he had cheated on her.
In recent years Frank focused on helping out small businesses.
He set up a Power Ranger Protection program, which saw him raise money for comic book stores.
Frank appeared on WPRI 12 News back in March to talk about his program…
Revealing that he would do book signings in-store to bring in business.
He shared: “I’ve done probably about 120 shops over the last couple of years and donated over $3,000 to $5,000 of merchandise so they can leave behind and sign.”
His work as a Power Ranger was a huge accomplishment to him, and earlier this year he opened up about his role during Planet Comicon.
Frank revealed: “Being the Green Ranger, I was a teenager, and I just focused on my job. I love martial arts, I love kids, I love teaching. It was just a perfect thing.”
However, he later shared that he was retiring from the role during this years “Legend of the White Dragon” panel at Power Morphicon.
He said: “It’s time for me to grow up, it’s time for me to get off a kid’s network channel.”
Adding that he wouldn’t be taking part in the 30th-anniversary reunion.
Sadly, not long after this, Frank died.
The news came as a huge shock to fans and his Power Ranger co-stars, who shared tributes to him online…
Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Ranger wrote: “Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique.
“My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace.”
Walter Jones, the first Black Ranger took to Instagram, writing: “Can’t believe it… RIP Jason David Frank.”
He added: “My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”
Red Ranger Austin St John wrote: “‘Once a ranger, always a ranger’ thoughts and prayers.”
While Blue Ranger David Yost penned: “My complicated friend. You had my heart on day one. So intelligent, so funny, so energetic. A light so bright, a force like no other. You shaped & transformed so many lives. I know you can now see the truth of the glory that is you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Yellow Ranger, Karan Ashley, posted: “Jay you finally got me to shut up. Can you imagine me, of all people, at a loss for words. LOL… I know it’s unheard of. Calm down and Wipe that mischievous smirk off your face. It won’t last long.
“All I can muster up is I love you. That just doesn’t seem to be a big enough phrase. I promise when I get my act together, I will have a long and mushy speech that’s all about you. You’ll love it! Until then, I love you, I’m so very sad and I’m anxiously awaiting the day we meet again.”
Nakia Burrise, who took on the mantle of Yellow Ranger after Ashley, added: “I have really struggled with finding the right words to say… In every family there is chaos, miscommunication, support, but most of all love.
“I have been blessed to be apart of the Power Ranger family for 27years and losing a family member is difficult… May the Lord wrap his arms around JDF’s wife and kids during this time. JDF, you will be missed!”
Blue Ranger Blake Foster, who played the character in the final episodes that Frank appeared in, wrote: “Can’t believe this… Cried all night. Heartbroken yet again. Lost my hero, our leader, my friend and an icon. Life really sucks man.”
His death has devastated a generation of Power Ranger fans.
Frank’s rep, Justine Hunt, spoke with TMZ to confirm the tragic news of his passing…
In a statement, she said: “Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.
“He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed.”
His rep also confirmed that he died in Texas.
Now it’s been revealed that Frank died by suicide.
He was just forty-nine years old.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jason David Frank.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please visit www.988lifeline.org for free confidential help from skilled counselors.