Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports anchor and reporter from Kansas City, died while on assignment covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The promising young broadcaster for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports passed away on Wednesday, Telemundo Kansas City announced in a statement.
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“Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star. [His] dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work,” the news station wrote. “We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.”
The station also noted they were “cooperating with authorities as they investigate this tragic event.” Authorities reported that Manzano was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room in Kenner.
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano earned his degree from Kansas State University. He joined the Chiefs Television Crew as a sideline reporter at the start of the last NFL season, per Fox affiliate KCTV.
Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, the wife of Manzano, died in a car accident on April 11, 2024, per CBS affiliate WIBW. The couple is survived by their young daughter, Eleanor.
Suspect Reportedly Arrested in Connection with Adan Manzano’s Death
A Louisiana woman has been arrested in connection with the death of Adan Manzano. Danette Colbert, a resident of Slidell, was taken into custody after police discovered she had allegedly been using the late sports journalist’s credit card for purchases. Surveillance footage later linked her to Manzano, according to a report by local outlet Fox8Live.
According to police, Colbert has a criminal history that includes previous arrests for allegations of drugging men, stealing cash, fraudulently using credit and debit cards, and other financial crimes.
Colbert currently only faces charges limited to property-related offenses, such as fraud and theft, according to the Kenner police, the outlet reported.
Meanwhile, last year, Manzano expressed his pride in bringing the game of football to Spanish-speaking audiences.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are growing so fast in Mexico City,” Manzano told NBC affiliate KSNT-TV. “Bringing that to the Spanish community because the Hispanic and Latinos — they’ve supported soccer culturally and historically. [However] there’s always a space where football can be the favorite sport. That’s why I think it’s important.”
“People actually reach out to our company and appreciate that we actually speak in their language,” he added. “We also have people listening to us from Spain or even from Brazil… we are speaking in their own language. At some point, an important play, it actually makes them feel better.”