Former actor Michael Mantenuto, who starred in Disney’s 2004 hockey film Miracle, died Monday after apparently committing suicide, according to a report.
The former actor and hockey player was found in his car in Des Moines, Washington on Monday, according to TMZ. The outlet reported that Mantenuto had shot himself.
Mantenuto was perhaps best known for his role as Jack O’Callahan in Miracle, Disney’s film about the U.S. hockey team’s highly improbable victory over the Soviets during the 1980 Winter Olympics, an event that came to be known in sports canon as the “Miracle on Ice.”
The film starred Kurt Russell and Patricia Clarkson and was named “Best Sports Movie” at the 2004 ESPY Awards.
Mantenuto had just two other screen credits to his name: 2006 TV movie Dirtbags, and the 2008 film Surfer, Dude.
Following his brief acting career, Mantenuto reportedly joined the U.S. Army Special Forces. Mantenuto’s commander, Col. Guillaume Beaurpere, announced the actor’s death in a news release Thursday.
“Those of you that knew Mike will remember him for his passionate love for his family and his commitment to the health of the force,” Col. Beaurpere said.
According to the news release, Mantenuto leaves behind a wife, a son, a daughter, and three sisters.
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Follow Daniel Nussbaum on Twitter: @dznussbaum
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