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.
He is survived by his wife and two children, Beaurpere wrote.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
