Power Rangers Star Jason David Frank Dies At 49, Tributes Pour In From Around The World

Power Ranger fans and '90s kids mourned the loss of a childhood hero over the weekend as Jason David Frank, the first Green Ranger, passed away at the age of 49. His rep Justine Hunt did not disclose the cause of death and asked for privacy and respect for his family at this time.

Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers premiered in the fall of 1993 on Fox Kids. The second attempt at an American adaptation of Super Sentai footage from Japan, the Power Rangers was an instant hit, with the first show airing for three years and becoming the biggest new franchise of the 1990s. Frank joined the cast in October of the same year and eventually became the most popular character of the entire series, often returning to his role and becoming a beloved figure among the fanbase.

The reaction to the sudden news was a shock to fans and former Power Ranger co-stars with an outpouring coming from all walks of fandom including Amy Jo Johnson, David Yost, horror icon Bruce Campbell, and even WWE's Austin Creed.

Former co-star Amy Jo Johnson, who played the original Pink Ranger Kimberly Hart said she'd always love her friend and left a heartfelt note on her social media wishing him peace.

"Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique. My life just won't be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy," Johnson said. "I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace…"

Frank was a fixture of pop culture and while he tried to shed his Power Ranger resume behind him, he eventually gave in and embraced his Green Ranger role and the fandom as a whole and eventually started doing the comic-con circuit in the mid-2000s after his return to the Tommy Oliver character in Power Rangers Dino Thunder. Tommy would return a few more times throughout the show's history, even fighting other versions of himself in Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel.

Most recently, Frank said goodbye to the role of Tommy and was set to star in an upcoming film from director Aaron Schoenke called Legend of the White Dragon. The film had Frank star as the titular warrior and took a lot of visual cues from Power Rangers, but something he wanted to forge on his own.

Frank is survived by his two sons, Hunter and Jacob, and his two daughters, Skye and Jenna.