While the Power Rangers, stars ofthe beloved TV series from the 1990s, may be known as protectors of the Earth, the cast of the American series and its various spin-offs have sadly endured a number of tragedies. In what has come to be known as the Power Rangers death curse, people with ties to the franchise have either passed unnaturally or fallen into serious hard times. If you're wondering where your favorite Power Ranger is today, the answer may be more disheartening than you realize. Because of this, some fans insist there was a perhaps something sinister hanging over the show's production. Whether or not you believe in curses, the number of unfortunate events surrounding the cast and crew is staggering.
On May 13, 2019, Pua Magasiva, who played Shane Clarke, the Red Wind Ranger, in 2003's Power Rangers Ninja Storm, was found deceased in his home by police. The cause of Magasiva's demise is unknown. Magasiva's other notable roles include starring the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, and Diplomatic Immunity.
Shortland Street's production company issued a statement which reads, "Pua was a much loved member of the South Pacific Pictures' family for many years and our hearts and thoughts go out to Pua's family at this time."
His Power Rangers co-star Jason Chan said, "Incredibly sad to hear that one of our ranger family is gone. It will never be the same again. PUA you will be so dearly missed. You were the center of energy on set and off. Always laughing, giggling and involved in practical jokes."
Thuy Trang Was Involved In A Fatal Car Accident At Age 27
Thuy Trang, the actress who portrayed Trini Kwan AKA the Yellow Ranger, lived a remarkable life. As a child, Trang escaped Vietnam by boat with a few of her family members, and survived being held in a detention camp in Hong Kong. During the arduous voyage, Trang was extremely sickly, and other refugees suggested that her mother throw her overboard.
Eventually, the family made it to America, at which point Trang became interested in acting. She landed a lead role in Power Rangers thanks to the martial arts skills she'd been practicing since childhood, and starred in 80 episodes during the first two seasons, as well as a few movies.
Unfortunately, Trang's career was cut short at age 27, when she became the first victim of the supposed Power Rangers curse. In 2001, Trang and her friends were driving around California, when their car lost control on a mountainous road and the vehicle plummeted off the side of a cliff.
When Power Rangers Zero was casting for the role of Tommy Oliver's brother, they hired Erik Frank, the real life brother of Tommy actor Jason David Frank. Sadly, Erik's portrayal of David Trueheart ended up being his final performance.
While Tommy's Green/White Ranger went on to become a fan favorite, David Trueheart's narrative arc was cut short when Erik Frank passed at the criminally young age of 29 of an "unknown" or "unspecified" illness.
Ricardo Medina Jr. Was Convicted Of Slaying His Roommate
Ricardo Medina Jr. got his big break playing Red Lion (AKA Cole Evans) on 2002's Power Rangers Wild Force, and returned in 2011 to play Decker on Power Rangers Samurai. Only a few years later, however, Medina was accused of slaying his roommate with a large sword. According to prosecutors, Medina got into a fight with his roommate, Josh Sutter, over the fact that Medina's girlfriend was at their house. The roommate allegedly broke down Medina's bedroom door, at which point Medina grabbed a sword and stabbed Sutter repeatedly. Medina insisted it was an act of self defense. In March 2017, the actor accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Peta Rutter Developed A Brain Tumor And Died At Age 50
Power Rangers Mystic Force began in 2006, and starred New Zealand's Peta Rutter as the White Mystic Ranger Udonna. In 2010, it was announced that Rutter had died suddenly of a brain tumor.
Richard Genelle Passed Away After Suffering A Heart Attack
When they weren't saving the world, the original Power Rangers could be found hanging out at the Angel Grove Youth Center. Richard Genelle played Ernie, the center's owner, who was often found gently helping his customers with their problems or offering kindly advice.
After four years on the show, Genelle left the series, at which point his character was said to have moved to South America to volunteer as an emergency relief worker. In real life, Genelle needed time to quit smoking and work on his obesity problem, which resulted in him losing 40 pounds. Sadly, Genelle suffered a fatal heart attack in 2008 at the age of 47.
