Jason David Frank’s wife is speaking out about his death, which she confirmswas a result of suicide.
The Power Rangers alum was 49 when his death was confirmed on Nov. 20.Though no cause of death was provided at the time, Jason’s wife, Tammie Frank,believes multiple media outlets prematurely reported that the actor died bysuicide and made incorrect assumptions about her and their relationshipstatus.
Now, Tammie is speaking exclusively with PEOPLE on behalf of their family inhopes of setting the record straight about Jason’s final night and helpingothers with similar mental health struggles.
“My name is Tammie Frank, and my husband was Jason David Frank, who tragicallylost his life to suicide just last week,” she says. “While Jason was a well-known name to some, we lived a very normal life with ups and downs, just likeanyone else. It has shocked and saddened me beyond belief to see that themedia has turned my family’s tragedy into a tall tale . Since Jason’s death, Ihave been harassed online and can no longer stand to watch my husband’s goodname slandered.”
“I loved my husband, and we were trying to work through our problems. Hisdeath comes as much a shock to me as anyone else,” she continues. “The truthis, I had no idea that Jason was thinking of ending things. Yes, he hadstruggled with mental health issues and depression before, but I could neverpredict what would happen that night.”
She adds, “It was meant to be a fun weekend getaway, and instead, I lost thelove of my life. Jason was a good man, but he was not without his demons. Hewas human, just like the rest of us. “
Jason David Frank and Tammie Frank
Tammie Frank/Instagram Jason David Frank and wife Tammie Frank
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Continuing her statement, Tammie recalls what happened on the evening on Nov.19, shortly after “reconciling our relationship.”
“We initially planned to separate; that part is true. However, that is onlypart of the story. The part that hasn’t been told is that at the time of hispassing, we had called off our separation and were in the process orreuniting,” she notes. “Don’t get me wrong, we had ups and downs and manytroubles during our 19-year marriage, but this was an especially hard year forus.”
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“A year ago, my daughter Shayla, whom Jason helped me raise as his own,suddenly passed away. Jason had been the one to find her when it happened, andthe situation wrecked our family emotionally,” she shares. “Between losing herand helping raise her baby son, Jason and I started having marital issues. Foranyone who has known the pain of losing a child, I know you understand howsuch a loss changes things in your marriage.”
Tammie says she and Jason decided to separate at that time, “not knowing whatelse to do.” However, about six weeks ago, they decided to rekindle theirromance after a close family friend “helped us realize that we still lovedeach other and we should not give up just yet.”
Still, the pair knew they “needed to take it slow and work out any issues.” Aspart of their plan to reconnect, Jason planned a two-night getaway, in whichthe two attended a country dancing event — something Tammie says Jason knewshe loved to do.
jason david frank
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
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Despite being there together, Tammie notes they got two hotel rooms for thegetaway “because that’s just how we do things — simply put, my husbandsnored.”
She also admits they received a noise complaint from hotel guests that night,but clarifies it was due to “us enjoying the weekend and having some fun – notarguing or fighting.”
“We danced and stayed out at the event until the bar closed. When we got backto the hotel, Jason and I were having a heartfelt and emotional talk in hisroom,” she recalls. “To help Jason relax and sober up before turning down tosleep, I went downstairs to get us snacks from the lobby. I must’ve been goneno more than 10 minutes. I went back upstairs and began knocking on the doorto no answer . I knocked repeatedly and kept calling for his name to open thedoor.”
“I don’t know if the hotel staff or a guest called the police, but after I wastaken downstairs by the police, they were able to open the door and found thatJason took his life,” she continues. “These were the ‘disturbances’ that hasbeen brought up numerous times online.”
Concluding her statement, Tammie asks that people “stop making assumptions andleave my family to grieve peacefully.”
“All we want is to remember Jason and our happiest memories, and move on fromthe pain of losing a loved one. I only ask for sympathy and understandingduring this difficult time,” she says. “To all the fans and supporters ofJason and our family, thank you for your kind words and wishes and God blessyou all.”
Jason David Frank and Tammie Frank
Tammie Frank/Instagram Jason David Frank and wife Tammie Frank
When news of Jason’s death broke on Nov. 20, a rep for the actor confirmed thetragedy in a statement to PEOPLE.
“Unfortunately, it is true. Please respect the privacy of his family andfriends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such awonderful human being,” the statement read. “He loved his family, friends andfans very much. He will be truly missed.”
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The actor and mixed martial artist was most beloved for his role as TommyOliver (aka the Green/White Ranger) from the original Mighty Morphin PowerRangers show, which ran from 1993 to 1995, as well as the 1995 movieadaptation.
Jason reprized the role in many other projects in the franchise over theyears, including Power Ranger Zeo (1996), Power Rangers Turbo (1997) and_Dinosaur Thunder_ (2004). He even made a cameo alongside costar Amy JoJohnson (Kimberly Hart, aka Pink Ranger) in the 2017 reboot.
His other credits included the 1990s teen soap Sweet Valley High andepisodes of Family Matters and We Bare Bears. His upcoming projectsincluded Underdogs Rising and Legend of the White Dragon according to hisIMDb.
In addition to Tammie, Jason is survived by his four children — sons Hunterand Jacob, as well as daughters Skye and Jenna.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis TextLine at 741741 or go to ** 988lifeline.org ** .