Content warning: This story is about suicide.
Jason David FrankHis wife shares the actor’s cause of death.
Tammy Frank said Jason, best known for his portrayal of the green Power Ranger in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, died by suicide on November 19 during a weekend getaway he had planned during the couple’s efforts to rekindle their relationship. He was 49.
“Even though Jason was a household name to some, we lived a very normal life with ups and downs just like everyone else,” Tammie said in an interview with People published Nov. 30. “I was incredibly shocked and saddened to see the media turn my family’s tragedy into a big story. I have been harassed online since Jason’s death and I can no longer bear to see my husband’s good name slandered.”
Tammie, who has been married to Jason for 19 years, said his tragic death was “as shocking to me as it is to anyone”.
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“I loved my husband and we tried to work out our issues,” Tammie continued. “The truth is, I had no idea Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he had previously struggled with mental health issues and depression, but I could never predict what would happen that night.”
She recalled dancing with Jason the night he died, adding that they stayed out “until the bar closed.” Afterward, the two – who had stayed in separate hotel rooms because “put simply, my husband snored” – retired to Jason’s room.
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“When we got back to the hotel, Jason and I had a heartfelt and emotional chat in his room,” she said. “To help Jason relax and sober up before I went to bed, I went downstairs to get us some snacks from the lobby.”
Tammie said that upon her return, Jason had “no answer” to her knock on the door. The police then arrived at the scene.
“It was supposed to be a fun weekend getaway and instead I lost the love of my life,” Tammie said. “Jason was a good man, but he wasn’t without his demons. He was human, just like the rest of us.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).