Power Rangers icon Jason David Frank has died, aged 49

Jason David Frank, the actor and martial artist best known to a generation of fans as Tommy Oliver from Power Rangers has died. He was 49 years old.

Reports that Frank had passed away began to circulate over the weekend, before a representative for the star confirmed the tragic news to TMZ. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but multiple reports suggest Frank died by suicide.

"Unfortunately, it is true," the statement reads. "Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."

Frank's Power Rangers debut came back in the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He played Tommy Oliver, also known as the cool af lone wolf antihero Green Ranger. He would later officially join the team, and established himself as one of the most popular Rangers of them all. Towards the end of Mighty Morphin, he would become the arguably even cooler White Ranger.

Frank's popularity endured over the years, and he would go on to appear in subsequent Power Rangers series as Tommy Oliver. He even made a memorable cameo in the otherwise forgettable 2017 movie.

More recently, Frank had been working on his very own crowdfunded feature-length martial arts film called Legend of the White Dragon, a project he was working on with fellow Power Rangers alumni like Jason Faunt and Ciara Hanna. The movie is currently in post-production.

Co-star Amy Jo Johnson led a flood of tributes from fans and peers, remembering her friend as "truly unique".

“My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy," she wrote on Instagram. "I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace.”

“Can’t believe it… RIP Jason David Frank," added Walter E. Jones. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family.”