News surfaced earlier last week that Jason David Frank, most famous for his role as Tommy in the original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” had died at the age of 49. His representative, Justine Hunt, confirmed the actor and martial artist’s death and other sources confirmed that Frank had committed suicide. According to TMZ, police responded to a call from Frank’s wife, Tammie Frank, after the two became involved in a heated argument. Tammie had filed for divorce from Jason earlier this year after nineteen years of marriage and a child together. Tammie claimed that Jason had been unfaithful to her. The two had checked into a Texas hotel in separate rooms when the argument broke out in Tammie’s room. Hotel staff were initially able to calm the couple down, but a second argument broke out, ending with Jason locking Tammie out of his room. Concerned for Jason’s safety, Tammie called the police and Jason was discovered dead in his hotel room during the early morning hours of November 19.

Jason’s path to fame began with an initial 14-episode stint on “MMPR,” first as the nemesis of the Rangers, then as a good guy. However, he became so popular with fans that he became the Green Ranger, then later the White Ranger and would appear on three seasons of “Power Rangers.” He would continue to reprise his role through various iterations of the “Power Rangers” franchise. He was a skilled martial artist and spent his time outside of the franchise as a professional fighter. However, his personal life was filled with mental health struggles and broken relationships. According to his close friend, MMA fighter Mike Bronzoulis, the actor had privately struggled with depression for many years. Bronzoulis stated other members of Frank’s family had committed suicide and that the actor often felt lonely.

Frank’s brother and “Power Rangers” co-star, Erik Ray Frank, died in 2001 of an unspecified illness at the age of 29. In speaking with CBN, Frank stated that the experience of his brother’s death brought him closer to Christ. “I didn’t really understand what the whole church thing was about and then, when I lost my brother it was like people were telling me I need God and all that stuff, and I was like, ‘If one more person tells me that, then that is what it is,’” he said. He also co-created a Christian based MMA group called “Jesus Didn’t Tap,” which he also had tattooed on his arm. “That means he didn’t quit, he didn’t give up – tap out,” he explained about the group’s name. “He could have tapped, snapped any time. He could have just called thousands and thousands of angels if he wanted to. Tap out is an expression I can give mentally and physically, I give up, I give up. He never did that.” Frank’s pastor, Keenan Smith, paid tribute to Frank, writing on Facebook, “There is never anything more valuable that you will possess on this planet than relationships. We all lost a true friend and a brother my heart breaks, I am profoundly affected, please pray for His family. Let those around you know how much they mean. Jason you were and are greatly loved!”

If you or someone you know is feeling depressed or considering committing suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.