Tammie Frank informs PEOPLE that she is speaking on their family’s behalf about his death, hoping to help others cope with mental health struggles. She states, “He was human, just like the rest of us.”
Jason’s wife speaks openly about his death, confirming that it was a suicide.
On November 20, the former Power Rangers Star passed away at 49. At the time, Jason’s wife didn’t mention a cause of death. Tammie Frank, however, thinks that the actor committed suicide and misjudged the nature of their relationship.
Tammie is now seen speaking with PEOPLE to clear up any misunderstandings regarding Jason’s last night and to offer support to anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
She mentions that her name is Tammie Frank, and her husband is Jason David Frank. Unfortunately, he tragically lost his life to suicide last week. She adds that while Jason was a well-known name to some, they happened to be living a normal life, just like everyone. It is shocking and saddening for her to see that the media has turned her family’s tragedy into a tall tale. Since Jason’s death, she has been getting harassed online and cannot stand longer to watch her husband’s good name slandered into pieces.
She continues by saying that she truly loved him and was trying to solve their problems. However, his death is shocking as she had no idea Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he had faced struggles with mental health issues and depression before, but she could never predict what would happen that final night.
She adds that it was supposed to be a fun weekend. Instead, she lost the love of her life. She also states that Jason was a good man, but not without his demons- he was a normal human, just like the rest of us.
Continuing that, Tammie recalls what happened on the evening of November 19, shortly after “reconciling our relationship.”
It is true that they initially planned to separate. However, they had called off the separation and were in the process of reuniting. She continues by saying they had ups and downs and many troubles during their 19-year marriage, but this was tough.
She shares that Jason helped her raise her daughter, Shayla, as his own but passed away the previous year. They started having marital issues between losing her and helping raise her baby son. Anyone who knows the pain of losing a child will understand how such a loss changes your marriage.
That’s when they decided to separate, Tammie said. However, they made the decision to rekindle their romance about six weeks ago.
Still, they knew they needed to take it slow and resolve any issues. So as their reconnecting plan, Jason planned a two-night weekend getaway, in which they attended a country dancing event Jason knew she loved.
She recalls that they were dancing and stayed at the event until the bar closed. After returning to the hotel, they had a heartfelt and emotional talk in his room. To relax and sober up Jason, she went downstairs to get snacks from the lobby. She mentioned she was back in less than 10 minutes and kept banging on the door and calling out his name, but it remained locked.
Someone called the police, and she was taken downstairs by the police, as they found that Jason had taken his life, she continues.
To conclude, Tammie asks people to refrain from making judgements and leave her family to grieve peacefully.
She says they all want to remember Jason and their happiest memories and move on. She asks for sympathy and understanding during this difficult time. She also thanks all the fans and supporters of Jason and their families for their kind words and wishes.
Jason’s death news broke on November 20, and the actor’s representative confirmed the tragedy in a statement to PEOPLE.
His statement read that, unfortunately, it is true. He requests to respect his family’s and friends’ privacy during this horrible time as they bear the loss of such a great human. He loved his family, friends, and fans too much, and he will be missed.
The actor and mixed martial artist most beloved for his role- Tommy Oliver from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers show- from 1993 to 1995, and the 1995 movie adaptation as well.
Jason reprised the role over the years in the franchise, including Power Rangers Zeo (1996), Power Rangers Turbo (1997) and Dino Thunder (2004). He also made a cameo alongside costar Amy Jo Johnson in the 2017 reboot.
Other credits include the 1990s teen soap Sweet Valley High and Family Matters, and We Bare Bears episodes. According to his IMDb, his upcoming projects were Underdogs Rising and Legend of the White Dragon.
In addition to Tammie, Jason lives by his four children-sons, Hunter and Jacob, and daughters Skye and Jenna.
