Jason David Frank, former Power Rangers star, MMA fighter, dead by suicide
Actor and professional mixed martial artist Jason David Frank is dead at age 49 from an apparent suicide according to a report from TMZ.
He died in Texas, according to his rep Justine Hunt.
Frank is best known as Tommy Oliver from the original run of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” franchise, dating back to the kids series’ debut in 1993.
Frank started out as the Green Ranger in Season 1, introduced at first as an enemy of the Power Rangers — only to do a 180 and become good. After his powers start to deteriorate, however, he’s turned into the White Ranger … and tapped as the new leader of the group. Frank starred as one of the leads for 3 seasons, totaling 123 episodes.
He was a lifelong martial arts enthusiast as an 8th degree black belt in Shotokan karate as well as a black belt in taekwondo and judo. He also held a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Frank had four amateur and one pro MMA bouts under his belt.
Brian Butler, Frank’s former manager at SuckerPunch Entertainment posted:
“Very sad to hear about my friend and client Jason David Frank’s passing. Jason was a martial artist best known for playing Tommy in the Power Rangers. He was a true martial artist and I had the pleasure of managing him for the fights he competed in. If anyone you know may be depressed please check on them. #RIP #JasonDavidFrank #JDF”
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If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
