Michael Mantenuto obit

Special Forces soldier, 'Miracle' movie star found dead in apparent suicide

 

He was not on the list.

The star of a beloved Disney hockey movie, who later joined the Army and became a Green Beret, died Monday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Michael Mantenuto, 35, was found in his car at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, Washington, according to police, who are investigating his death.

The soldier, who played college hockey and starred in a movie about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's 'Miracle on Ice' win, had a short film career before enlisting in 2010.

Mantenuto was a Special Forces communications sergeant with 1st Special Forces Group, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, at the time of his death, according to a Facebook post from his group commander.

"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. Will Beaurpere wrote Wednesday on the 1st Special Forces Group Veterans page.

A JBLM spokeswoman confirmed the authenticity of the post to the Associated Press.

Mantenuto deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the official title of the U.S. fight against ISIS, in 2016, according to his Army Special Operations Command bio.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Michael Mantenuto was born in Holliston, Massachusetts. He is an alumnus of the University of Maine, where he played one season for the Maine Black Bears men's ice hockey squad; following that season he transferred to the University of Massachusetts at Boston and played one additional season for their team. His time playing hockey allowed him the opportunity to audition for, and ultimately win, the role of Jack O'Callahan, a player on the 1980 Olympic men's ice hockey team, who beat the Soviet Union team in what is now referred to as the "Miracle on Ice".

He is survived by his wife and two children, Beaurpere wrote.

 

Actor

Surfer, Dude (2008)

Surfer, Dude

4.6

House Poser

2008

 

Balthazar Getty, Melissa Joan Hart, Laura Bell Bundy, Kavan Reece, Stephanie Lemelin, and Michael Mantenuto in Dirtbags (2006)

Dirtbags

6.6

TV Movie

Shafe

2006

 

Eddie Cahill in Miracle (2004)

Miracle

7.4

Jack O'Callahan

2004