Former Disney star Michael Mantenuto has been found dead aged 35. According to local police, the actor shot himself in his car in Washington State. The actor starred in the 2004 Disney film, Miracle, alongside actor Kurt Russell. The local coroner confirmed that the cause of death was suicide by gunshot. The police department released a statement reading ‘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 actor was also a keen hockey player and it was his sporting prowess that won him the role in his first movie. In the movie, which also featured Patricia Clarkson and Noah Emmerich, he played a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. After starring in another two movies, the actor gave up on a career in showbusiness and joined the Special Forces. The commander of Mantenuto’s army unit praised his love of the job. ‘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.’