Jason David Frank, Original Green Power Ranger and MMA Fighter, Dead at 49

Our hearts go out to his loved ones.

Actor and mixed martial arts fighter Jason David Frank has died. He was 49.

After rumors began circulating online that Frank had died by suicide, his representative confirmed to the outlet Geek Ireland that the rumors of his passing were "regrettably true."

Frank, known to fans as JDF, rose to fame playing Tommy Oliver–also known as the Green Ranger–in the hit series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

His original role with the series was initially contracted for 14 episodes. Still, seeing his popularity on the show, producers brought Frank back for over 100 episodes.

He first returned as the White Ranger and leader of the gang. Then, as the show progressed into a new series–Power Rangers Zeo–Frank's character changed once more; this time, he assumed the role of the Red Ranger. A year later, Power Rangers Turbo was released, and Frank's character became the Red Turbo Ranger, according to IMDb.

He ultimately left the series in 1997 but returned as the Red Zeo Ranger in 2002 for the 10th-anniversary episode and came back two years later as the Black Dino Ranger, for Power Rangers Dino Thunder. 

Frank reprised his original role as Tommy Oliver in the 2013 season finale of Power Rangers Super Megaforce and for a final time in Season 3, Episode 10 of Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel for the special 25th anniversary of the Power Ranger series.

Earlier this year, Frank announced he would be retiring from the series.

Frank's trainer and close friend Mike Bronzoulis also confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post that featured a photo of the two, writing, "RIP my brother from another mother" and "I'm still in shock."

His former co-star Walter E. Jones, who played the role of the original Black Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, eulogized Frank on Instagram, writing, "Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank🙏🏾. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family."

Frank is survived by his estranged wife and their three children.

Our hearts go out to his loved ones.

If you, or someone you know, are currently in a crisis, get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, going to a nearby emergency department or walk-in clinic, or contacting your doctor or therapist.

This is a developing story and will be updated. 

More News:

• Celebrities Speak Out Following Tragedy at an LGBTQ Nightclub in Colorado Springs

• Sofia Vergara Shares Throwback Snaps From Her Home Country

• Twitter’s Copyright Strike System is Down, Allowing Users to Post Entire Movies to the Site