The Kansas City sports community is honoring the memory of Adan Manzano, a sports anchor and reporter who died while on assignment covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Telemundo Kansas City confirmed the news of his death in a Facebook post shared on Feb. 6.
“We are saddened to share that Adan Manzano passed away yesterday in New Orleans while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports,” the statement reads in part.
Danette Colbert was arrested on Feb. 6 after using Manzano’s credit card in several New Orleans locations, Kenner Police Department Chief of Police Keith A. Conley said in a Feb. 7 press conference. She is currently being held on property charges as the investigation continues.
“You asked if this was a homicide. I don’t know where it’s going to end up,” Conley told reporters. “We’re going to let the evidence lead us to the end result and not speculate.”
Manzano, a KGKC’s sports anchor and reporter, is described in the post as an ascending talent on its team.
"Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work," the statement continued. "We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community."
The station expressed thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Manzano's family and those close to him.
The 27-year-old’s death comes less than a year after the death of his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, who was involved in a car accident on April 11, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas. According to an obituary for Boyd, she and Manzano shared a daughter, who was 15 months old at the time of Boyd’s death.
In the comments section of the post sharing the news of Manzano's death, Facebook users reflected on his impact on the station's Latino audience.
"A great loss for the Latino community and the sport, my deepest condolences to all his family and the family of Telemundo Kansas City," one user replied.
"My God, what a loss for the sports and journalism community," another replied. "Young promise great human being."
Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas said on X shortly after Manzano's death was announced that he was "so young and fully of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community."
"So very sad to see this," Lucas continued. "My condolences to his family and friends."
