Danica Davidson
December 7, 2022 
Content Warning: Discussion of suicide.
Jason David Frank, best known for playing Tommy Oliver (the Green Ranger and White Ranger) in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, passed away in November, and preliminary reports said it was strongly believed to be suicide. Frank’s wife, Tammie Frank, has told People Magazine that suicide was indeed the cause of death, and has given more details on what she says happened.
“While Jason was a well-known name to some, we lived a very normal life with ups and downs, just like anyone else,” she said. “It has shocked and saddened me beyond belief to see that the media has turned my family’s tragedy into a tall tale. Since Jason’s death, I have been harassed online and can no longer stand to watch my husband’s good name slandered.”
His death and mode of death were a shock to her. “The truth is, I had no idea that Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he had struggled with mental health issues and depression before, but I could never predict what would happen that night.”
Tammie said that Frank raised her daughter Shayla as his own, but a year ago Shayla died abruptly and he was the one who discovered her body. The trauma of all this “wrecked our family emotionally.” They then had to raise Shayla’s infant son and Jason and Tammie’s marriage became strained. They separated for a while, but came back together and were having a getaway vacation.
“We danced and stayed out at the event until the bar closed. When we got back to the hotel, Jason and I were having a heartfelt and emotional talk in his room,” Tammie said. “To help Jason relax and sober up before turning down to sleep, I went downstairs to get us snacks from the lobby. I must’ve been gone no more than 10 minutes. I went back upstairs and began knocking on the door to no answer. I knocked repeatedly and kept calling for his name to open the door.”
Someone called the police, who got he door open and discovered Frank had killed himself.
“All we want is to remember Jason and our happiest memories, and move on from the pain of losing a loved one,” Tammie commented. “I only ask for sympathy and understanding during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please know that there is help available. In America, you can call 1-800-273-8255. In Canada, you can call 1-833-456-4566. In Japan, you can call 03-5774-0992. For other countries, numbers and resources are available on this site.
Source: People
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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