Former Disney Actor, JBLM Soldier Found Dead At State Park

DES MOINES, WA - Actor and special forces soldier Michael Mantenuto was found dead this week at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines. Mantenuto died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office. Mantenuto appeared in a number of movies, but was best known for his role in the 2004 Disney movie "Miracle," about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union's hockey team.

More recently, Mantenuto, 35, was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Mantenuto was a staff sergeant in the Army with the 1st Special Forces Group.

Des Moines police found Mantenuto on Monday in a car parked at the state park.

Aside from "Miracle," Mantenuto acted in the movies "Surfer, Dude," and "Dirtbags." In "Miracle," he portrayed Jack O'Callahan, who played defense for the 1980 U.S. hockey team. Mantenuto is from Holliston, Mass., which is about 30 miles west of Charleston, Mass., which is where O'Callahan is from. Mantenuto was married with a son and daughter.

In a press release, Army Col. Guillaume Beaurpere said of Mantenuto, "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."

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