That was announced on Sunday Jason David Frank has passed away, sending shock waves through pop culture and especially within the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fandom. While details are scarce, it has been reported that Frank died by suicide at the age of 49. Power Rangers franchise.
Austin St John, who played the original Red Ranger and co-starred with Frank, posted a video to Twitter sharing his thoughts on the situation. There have been obvious issues between the two actors in the past, and St. John acknowledges this in the video. That said, he is just as shocked as the rest of us at the news and feels sad for those Frank left behind.
“I don’t even know where to start,” St. John says in the video. “It’s no secret that Jason David Frank and I weren’t beer drinking buddies, sure. But yesterday, for those of you who may not know, Jason David Frank, he’s gone. Yesterday he died. And yesterday, more importantly, a man died. A father died. A husband died. And there’s no easy way to feel those emotions.”
St. John adds that he lost his father in January and has some semblance of understanding for what Frank’s family is feeling right now. The actor adds that he doesn’t have much more to add than to express his sympathy for the survivors and that he hopes Frank has found peace in death, despite any friction the two may have had in previous years.
“I’m not going on and on,” says St. John. “I just hope he rests in peace, and my prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger, brother. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. Much love.”
Jason David Frank will be remembered
Some others of the Power Rangers family honor Frank. Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Ranger, posted an image Instagram of herself with Frank from a fan event. She wrote a message of sadness in the caption to express her heartbreak.
“Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique,” she said. “My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please rest in peace now…”
A separate Instagram post from original Black Ranger Walter Jones added, “I can’t believe it… RIP Jason David Frank. My heart is saddened to have lost another member of our special family.”
Jason David Frank was much loved and will be forever missed. May his legacy live on as he finds peace in his passing.