*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
On Sunday, a representative confirmed that mixed martial artist and actor Jason David Frank who played the original Green Ranger in the Power Rangers TV franchise died at the age of 49. A direct source told TMZ that the actor's death was a result of suicide.
Frank began his run with the popular TV show as the Green Ranger in 1993 and later also played White Ranger, Red Ranger, and Black Ranger.
Frank held an eighth-degree black belt and founded Toso Kune Do, a martial arts style based on the practices of American martial arts masters.
Friends and fans of the talented artist shared their love for Frank.
Fellow Ranger Walter Emmanuel Jones shared a heartfelt tribute to Instagram:
"Can't believe it... RIP Jason David Frank."
"My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family."
Others took to Twitter to honor their childhood hero.
\u201cThe world lost a childhood hero \ud83e\udd0d\ud83d\udc9a Jason David Frank, who played the Green and White Rangers in the beloved Power Rangers franchise, is dead at 49. A rep for Frank did not disclose the cause of death to the New York Times. RIP.\u201d— GameSpot (@GameSpot) 1669050453
\u201cAbsolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Jason David Frank. He was so passionate about encouraging others to follow their dreams, to find inner strength, to be the best. He was an empowering Power Ranger. My thoughts and love to family and friends during this painful time.\ud83d\udc94\u201d— Veronica Taylor (@Veronica Taylor) 1669000256
\u201cWoke up to the news that Jason David Frank has passed away. As the green/white ranger he had a huge impact on my childhood. When I finally got the chance to meet him he was always kind to me. Really gonna miss him\u201d— Austin Creed (@Austin Creed) 1668965814
\u201cRest in Power Jason David Frank\n#PowerRangers\u201d— Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank (@Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank) 1669014001
\u201c"I almost gave up on myself, Goldar, but your little picture show reminded me of how much good i've done, not only as the Green Ranger, but as me. Plain old Tommy."\n\nRIP Jason David Frank\n#PowerRangers\u201d— Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank (@Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank) 1669010400
\u201cA Tribute for one of the finest. (1/4)\n\nStory: Yours Truly\n\nArt: @ashmish_ \n\nR.I.P. Jason David Frank.\u201d— Metal Knight - Gold Guardian (@Metal Knight - Gold Guardian) 1669034374
\u201cRIP. You will be missed.\n\nMy heart broke when I learned of Jason David Frank's passing. He was one of my & @AlchemicalJack's childhood heroes so this has hit us both quite hard. \n\nPlease be kind to one another and if you are struggling, there is help available. You are not alone.\u201d— Angela (@Angela) 1669053602
\u201cWe\u2019re saddened to learn about the passing of Jason David Frank. Jason made our childhoods by playing the Green Power Ranger & we will miss him dearly. \ud83d\udc9a\u201d— FANEXPO Canada (@FANEXPO Canada) 1669044601
\u201cWe are terribly saddened by the loss of Jason David Frank. He is a hero to many, and will remain so for all time. He brought smiles, courage, and hope to an entire generation. He held the heart of a true Power Ranger, and he will be greatly missed.\u201d— Renegade Game Studios (@Renegade Game Studios) 1669048428
\u201c"It was great being a Ranger, Zordon. You'll always be with me."\n\nRIP Jason David Frank\n#PowerRangers\u201d— Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank (@Power Rangers Daily \u26a1\ufe0f- RIP Jason David Frank) 1669003200
\u201cThis is terribly sad. Jason was such a delight. I loved bumping into him in the green room at cons. He was kind, warm, always asking after my family, and gave the best giant hugs. He will very much be missed. https://t.co/3iNthiUC9x\u201d— Jewel Staite (@Jewel Staite) 1669043967
\u201cSad to hear about Jason David Frank ending his life. \n\nI grew up racing home after school so I could watch MMPR on tv. \n\nHis TikTok has been one of my favorites to watch. \n\nRIP.\u201d— Brandon Folsom (@Brandon Folsom) 1668960284
A representative said on Sunday:
"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 be truly missed."
May the Power protect him, always.
\u201cAll of Ranger Nation is deeply saddened by the loss of Jason David Frank. JDF brought countless smiles to fans over the years and will be greatly missed. May the Power protect him, always. \ud83d\udc9a\u201d— POWER\u26a1\ufe0fRANGERS (@POWER\u26a1\ufe0fRANGERS) 1668984574
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
