Michael Mantenuto, Star Of Disney's 'Miracle,' Dead At 35

Actor and hockey player Michael Mantenuto, best known for his role in Disney’s 2004 sports drama “Miracle,” has died. He was 35.

Mantenuto was found in his car by police after reportedly sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday afternoon in Des Moines, Washington, according to TMZ. Seattle’s King County medical examiner’s office told People that Mantenuto took his own life.

Mantenuto, a former University of Maine hockey player, got his big break playing the real-life figure Jack O’Callahan in “Miracle,” which depicts the events surrounding 1980 Winter Olympics. O’Callahan was part of the winning American hockey team that unexpectedly bested the Soviet Union in a game that became known as the “Miracle on Ice.”

After the sports drama hit theaters, Mantenuto went on to appear in the 2006 TV movie “Dirtbags” and 2008’s “Surfer, Dude.” However, he later left Hollywood to enlist in the Army.

Col. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere of the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group announced Mantenuto’s death in a news release.

“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,” he said.

Mantenuto is survived by his wife and his two children, as well as his father and three sisters.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for theNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline.You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from theCrisis Text Line.Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.