From left: Austin St. John, Walter Emanuel Jones, Jason David Frank and David Yost.Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty
The love forJason David Frankis pouring in after news of thePower Rangersalum’s death at age 49.
Frank’s formerMighty Morphin Power Rangerscostar Walter Emanuel Jones tells PEOPLE in a statement that Frank “was an inspiration to so many people” and “his presence will be dearly missed.”
“It’s so sad to lose another member of ourRangerfamily,” adds Jones, who played Zack Taylor, the Black Ranger, opposite Frank’s Tommy Oliver, the Green/White Ranger, on the original series that launched in 1993. (His death comes 21 years after that of costarThuy Trang, who died in 2001from injuries sustained in a car accident. She was 27.)
“Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show,” Jones, 51, continues in his statement to PEOPLE. “He had a wild sense of humor. We had our share of ups and downs, but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one.”
He concludes, “My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him. May he rest in Power.”
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Jason David Frank inMighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie(1995).Saban/Toei/Kobal/Shutterstock
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Jones also shared a photo to Instagram of himself and Frank with their fellow originalPower Rangers, Austin St. John andDavid Yost.
“Can’t believe it … RIP Jason David Frank🙏🏾, " Jones began his caption. “My heart is sad to havelost another member of our special family.#jasondavidfrank#jdf#walterejones#greenranger#whiteranger#mmpr#maythepowerprotectyou#tommy.”
“Jase, you were beautiful and truly unique. My life just won’t be the same without your frenetic, hilarious, caring, driven and creative ball of energy. I will always love you, dear friend. Please Rest now In Peace…” Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Ranger, wrote on social media with a sweet picture.
Blake Foster, who appeared alongside Frank in 1997’sTurbo: A Power Rangers Movie, shared a series of photosfeaturing himself and the late star, including during Foster’s childhood.
“Can’t believe this … Cried all night. Heartbroken yet again. Lost my hero, our leader, my friend and an icon. Life really sucks man 😞💔#RIPJDF#WhiteRangerForever,” wrote Foster, 37.
Austin St. John, who played Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger, also paid his respects.
“Once a ranger, always a ranger” thoughts and prayers….#RIP#prayers” he wrote in the caption.
A representative for Frank, who also had a career as a mixed martial artist, confirmed his death to PEOPLE in a statement Sunday.
“Unfortunately, it is true,” the rep said. “Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms withthe loss of such a wonderful human being.”
“He loved his family, friends and fans very much,” the rep added. “He will be truly missed.”
source: people.com
