By Dakota ‘DarkHorse’ Hills
Well, it sadly turned out the internet rumors were indeed true.
Original Power Rangers star Jason David Frank has passed away at the age of 49 years old.
Outlets are reporting that the cause of death is likely suicide.
Jason David Frank was the most prolific and biggest fan favorite of the Power Rangers’ many iterations ever since he was first introduced in 1993 as Tommy Oliver in Season 1 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
From the evil Green Ranger turning good, to leading the team in Power Rangers Zeo, guiding the new generation in Dino Thunder and beyond, JDF was an on-screen hero to 3 decades of children and fans around the world, who are now devastated by his loss.
R.I.P. Jason David Frank. Thanks for the memories. Condolences to loved ones and fans.
National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988.
Check on your friends and loved ones. Take care everyone. pic.twitter.com/wT9aQPGtES
— Mark Julio 『マークマン』 (@MarkMan23) November 20, 2022
Frank would reprise his role as Tommy and Lord Drakkon in the recent fighting game Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, but his impact is felt far beyond that in the FGC.
Many of us grew up watching Tommy as a leader and role model, and some of us were lucky enough to meet him at conventions where he appeared to have genuine care for his fans.
Deeply saddened to hear that Jason David Frank passed away. Was a huge part of my childhood. I remember when my mom bought me his karate club VHS and I would watch it on repeat nonstop and practice. Dressed up as the Green Ranger as kid and recently as an adult. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/6M8lB8ohQJ
— Isaac Torres 🇵🇷 (@Delriach) November 20, 2022
“He was an inspiration to so many people,” said Walter Jones, who portrayed the Black Ranger Zack in Mighty Morphin, via TMZ. “His presence will be dearly missed. It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family.
Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show. He had a wild sense of humor. We had our shares of ups and downs but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one. My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him.”
Damn if it’s true RIP Jason David Frank, as a kid the green ranger saga was the most epic media i had witnessed in that moment. A fan for life. RIP pic.twitter.com/MHH1nhJbKi
— [email protected] (@NerdJosh) November 20, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone who cared for him both on screen and off.
Rangers forever. Defenders together.
Image source: Super Festivals via Flickr
Source: Event Hubs