Jason David Frank, greatest recognized for his position as Tommy Oliver – the unique inexperienced and white ranger – within the widespread Nineties tv sequence Mighty Morphin Energy Rangers, has handed away. He was 49 years outdated.
A rep for the actor confirmed the unhappy information to Folks on Saturday, saying:
“Sadly, it’s true. Please respect the privateness of his household and buddies throughout this horrible time as we come to phrases with the lack of such an exquisite human being. He cherished his household, buddies and followers very a lot. He shall be actually missed.”
Whereas no official reason behind demise was talked about, TMZ stories that Jason died by suicide in Texas. Heartbreaking…
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As followers know, he starred within the authentic Mighty Morphin Energy Rangers franchise from 1993 to 1996, the place he portrayed the villain turned inexperienced ranger. Jason later grew to become the white ranger within the sequence. Through the years, he additionally labored on different Energy Rangers tasks, together with the Mighty Morphin Energy Rangers: The Film, Energy Rangers Turbo, Zeo, and Dino Thunder. His different appearing credit included Candy Valley Excessive, Household Issues, and We Naked Bears. In line with IMBD, he had been engaged on a movie known as The Legend of the White Dragon earlier than his demise.
Past appearing, Jason had been a professionally skilled blended martial artist who knew Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and extra. Per TMZ, he fought professionally between 2008 to 2010.
Following the information of his demise, he was remembered by his former co-star Walter Emanuel Jones (Zack Taylor, the black ranger), who mentioned in an announcement to Folks:
“He was an inspiration to so many individuals. His presence shall be dearly missed. It’s so unhappy to lose one other member of our Ranger household. Jason was one of many largest pranksters on the present. He had a wild humorousness. We had our share of ups and downs, however I stayed constant about being an ear if he wanted one. My prayers exit to his household and all that can miss him. Might he relaxation in Energy.”
Jason’s demise comes 21 years after their co-star Thuy Trang died in 2001 on the age of 27 from her accidents sustained in a automotive accident. Walter additionally shared an image of himself, Jason, and their fellow authentic Energy Rangers castmates, Austin St. John and David Yost, writing on Instagram:
“Can’t consider it…. RIP Jason David Frank. My coronary heart is unhappy to have misplaced one other member of our particular household.”
Blake Foster, who starred with Jason within the 1997 film Turbo: A Energy Rangers Film, additionally took to Instagram to mourn the lack of his co-star, writing:
“Can’t consider this … Cried all night time. Heartbroken but once more. Misplaced my hero, our chief, my good friend and an icon. Life actually sucks man #RIPJDF #WhiteRangerForever.”
Jason is survived by his 4 kids – sons Hunter and Jacob and daughters Skye and Jenna. Our hearts exit to them throughout this troublesome time. Relaxation in peace, Jason…
Should you or somebody you recognize is considering suicide, assist is accessible. Contemplate contacting the the Nationwide Suicide & Disaster Lifeline at 988, or textual content “STRENGTH” to the Disaster Textual content Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
[Image via WENN, Power Rangers Official/YouTube]