Green Power Ranger Jason David Frank has died at the age of 49

Actor and MMA athlete David James Frankknown to many fans of 90s TV as Tommy OliverThe green Power Ranger from the hit Power Rangers franchise has died at the age of 49. The news of Frank’s death was confirmed by his manager, Justin Huntin a statement to the press.

“Please respect the privacy of his family and friends at this terrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful man. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will be greatly missed,” the statement said. An official cause of death has not been released.

Frank got the role of Tommy Oliver Green Power Ranger who, despite being brainwashed by series villain Rita Repulsive, managed to overcome the magic spell and join the Power Rangers. Originally, Frank was only supposed to appear in 12 episodes of the series, but such was the popularity of the character that Frank became a mainstay of the series, becoming the White Ranger in the process and appearing in the original Power Rangers Morphin Movie of 1995.

Frank has also appeared on other Saturday Morning shows including Sweet Valley High, and later in his career switched his acting profession to combine his martial arts skills to enter the world of mixed martial arts. He made his professional debut in 2010, beating Jose Roberto Vasquez by submission in his only pro fight to date. He was inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame and was an 8th degree black belt and owned the Rising Sun Karate School of Martial Arts.

After the announcement, fans and colleagues poured in tributes to the former Power Rangers actor Walter Emanuel Jonesthe original Black Ranger, took to Instagram to remember his former co-star, sharing a photo of the Power Rangers squad on the red carpet.

Frank is survived by four children: Jenna Frank, Skye Frank, Jacob Frank and Hunter Frank.