Michael Mantenuto, known for his role in the Disney sports film "Miracle," was found dead at age of 35. Screen capture/New York Daily News/AOL

April 27 (UPI) -- Former actor Michael Mantenuto was found dead of suicide at age 35 in Washington state.

Mantenuto, known for his role in the Disney sports film Miracle, was found dead in his car at Saltwater State Park in what King County medical examiner's office in Seattle ruled to be the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.


Des Moines Police Department told the New York Daily News it had received a 911 call around 1:30 p.m. Monday about an "injured or perhaps deceased" person in a vehicle at the park and later determined it was Mantenuto.

Mantenuto was a hockey star at the University of Maine before starring as Jack O'Callahan of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team in Miracle in 2004.

He also had a supporting role in the 2006 TV movie Dirtbags and a role in the 2008 comedy Surfer, Dude before leaving acting to join the Army Special Forces.

Col. Guillaume "Will" Beaurpere shared a message to Facebook announcing Mantenuto's death on Wednesday.

"It is with a great sadness that I notify you of the loss of one of our own," Beaurpere wrote. "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."

Mantenuto is survived by his wife, Kati Vienneau, daughter Ava, son Leo and his parents, Joseph and Kerry.