Disney Star Michael Mantenuto is Dead! The Hockey Star Died at Age 35 From Apparent Suicide-Details!!

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: prisma pulitzer | In Career , Death , Lifestyle

Heartbreaking News! Michael Mantenuto, who appeared in Disney’s 2004 film Miracle, died Monday, April 24. The Hockey player is said to have committed suicide at the age of 35!

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Michael Mantenuto Death

The Miracle actor was found dead in Des Moines, Washington, in his car on Monday, according to police. There was a gunshot wound in his head.

A coroner has confirmed that Michael intentionally took his own life by shooting himself in the head.

The 2004 Disney film Miracle, which starred Kurt Russell and followed the US Men’s Olympic hockey team to gold in the 1980 Winter Olympics, is the film that made the former actor most famous.

At about 1:30 p.m. local time (4:30 EDT), the Des Moines Police Department received a report about an “injured or perhaps deceased” person in a vehicle at Saltwater State Park.

Police later confirmed that Mantenuto, who was a college hockey player, had committed suicide by shooting himself with a handgun in his car at the park.

The motive for the suicide is unclear and authorities have begun an investigation into his death.

In “Miracle,” Mantenuto played the role of O’Callahan, the U.S. men’s hockey team member, who injures his knee, but does a comeback to the team to play against the popular Soviets team at the 1980 Winter Olympics, where the U.S. won gold.

Apart from “Miracle,” Mantenuto has also appeared in the 2006 TV movie “Dirtbags” and “Surfer, Dude” in 2008 was his last movie. Following an acting career, he later joined the military in 2010 and in 2013 he also attended Special Forces training. According to People magazine, he was assigned to be in the 1st Special Forces Group, where he remained a communications sergeant till his death.

Fans and Celebs on Michael’s Death

Teena Lepene, Mantenuto’s friend from his special forces training told People the former actor had a natural charisma.

“He was so much more than just a Miracle actor. … [He] was awesome and charismatic, people were naturally drawn to him,”

Lepene reportedly said.

Col. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere, the commander of Mantenuto’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), announced Mantenuto’s death.

“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. … The Group is standing by to support the family in any way possible and we will professionally execute those wishes. Our deepest condolences go out to SSG Mantenuto’s family, friends, and teammates,”

Beaurpere said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Robert Bockholt, who is Director of Public Affairs for U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, told People:

“Our deepest condolences go out to Michael Mantenuto’s family, friends, and teammates. … The cause of death is still under investigation.”

Professional photographer Doug Westcott, whose son Drake received coaching from Mantenuto, posted his condolences on Facebook. He also posted pictures of Michael Mantenuto teaching hockey to Drake.

“It has been a tough 24 hours since I found out one of Drake’s hockey coaches took his own life on Monday, Drake is devastated and confused. Mike Mantenuto meant the world to Drake and they both had talked about their troubles at times. Our hearts go out to his wife Katie, son and teammate Leo, daughter Ava and his parents,”

His wife, daughter Ava, son Leo, parents Joseph and Kerry survive him.

Also read Russian tennis player, Anna Kournikova: career, relationship, and professional downfall!

Short Bio on Michael Mantenuto

John J. “Jack” O’Callahan was a retired American professional ice hockey player who played 390 NHL regular-season games between 1982 and 1989 for the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils. During the Winter Olympics prior to turning professional, he was a member of the U.S. national team that upset the Soviet Union in the famous “Miracle on Ice” game. Read More bio…

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