Michael Mantenuto, a former Disney star best known for his role in Miracle, has tragically passed away aged 35. The King County medical examiner's office in Seattle, Washington has confirmed to People magazine that his death has officially been ruled as a suicide by a self-inflicted gun shot wound. The late actor was found in his car in Des Moine, Washington. Tributes has flooded in for the former actor, with one tweeting: "Awful news about Michael Mantenuto - so vibrant as Jack O'Callahan in 'Miracle.' He really stood out in that film." Another added: "My childhood took a big hit today, RIP to a great actor and American hero, Michael Mantenuto."
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Michael starred in Miracle
After his breakout role in Miracle, where he played Jack O'Callahan, Michael appeared in several films including 2006 film Dirtbags and 2008 comedy Surfer, Dude. Speaking about his role in the biopic, he told Boston Globe back in 2004: "With this movie, I was able to combine the different parts of my life that were important to me. To be able to combine the acting, all the expression, the hockey, and be able to segue from one career that I loved so much to another where I wanted my life to go . . . It was pretty special."
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Michael eventually abandoned his career in acting to join the army. Commander of Mantenuto's US Army's First Special Forces Group Colonel Guillaume Beaurpere released a statement about his death. He said: "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 star is survived by his wife Kati Vienneau and two children, Ava and Leo.