Late last night on social media, rumors began circulating online that Jason David Frank, one of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers stars, had passed away at the age of 49. This morning the news has been confirmed by JDF's publicist to several news outlets.
Via TMZ, Frank's rep stated, "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." According to TMZ, Jason David Frank died by suicide.
In recent years, Jason David Frank primarily earned a living by attending various fan conventions as a special guest and signing autographs. He was a steady convention fixture that was beloved by staff and fans alike. The rumors that began circulating on social media late Saturday night about Frank's untimely demise originated within the fan convention community and when the news was revealed that Frank's fellow Power Rangers co-star Johnny Young Bosch would be unexpectedly pulling out of his AnimeNYC panel for BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, fans began fearing the worst.
In addition to starring in the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers series for three consecutive seasons 1993-1996 (124 episodes), Jason David Frank also starred in Power Rangers Zeo 1996 (50 episodes), Power Rangers Turbo 1997 (19 episodes), and Power Rangers Dino Thunder 2004 (38 episodes).
In addition to starring in the above four installments of Power Rangers, Jason David Frank's Tommy Oliver would return for special, legendary team-up episodes in 2002's Power Rangers Wild Force-Forever Red, 2014's Power Ranger Super Megaforce-Legendary Battle, 2018's Power Rangers Hyperforce-Shattered Grid and 2018's Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel-Dimensions in Danger.
Outside of the Power Rangers franchise, JDF would briefly become a semi-professional MMA fighter in 2008 and would have 4 professional fights over the course of two years, winning two by submission and two by knockout.
Jason David Frank is survived by four children.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7, toll-free at 988.