Michael Mantenuto, Star of Disney's MIRACLE, Dies at 35 From Apparent Suicide

Legacy.com reports that Michael Mantenuto, a former actor and college hockey player who played Jack O'Callahan in the 2004 Disney film MIRACLE, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017. He was 35. The death was announced in a news release by Col. Guillaume "Will" Beaurpere, the group commander of the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Mantenuto joined the military after leaving his acting career.

According to the release, Mantenuto was found dead by police in Des Moines, Washington. The release states: "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."

Mantenuto, a former University of Maine hockey player, portrayed O'Callahan in the film that co-starred Kurt Russell. The movie followed the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team's and their miraculous win over the heavily favored Soviet Union team. The game later became known as 'The Miracle on Ice.' After beating the Russians, the U.S. team defeated Finland to win the gold medal.

Mantenuto's other film credits include 2006's "Dirtbags" and 2008's "Surfer, Dude". He is survived by his wife, the former Kati Vienneau; a daughter, Ava; a son, Leo; his father, Ed; and three sisters.

Watch a scene from Disney's MIRACLE below:

Image: screengrab