Authorities have released new details surrounding the mysterious death of Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano.
As previously reported, the 27-year-old sports anchor for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports had traveled to Louisiana to cover Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
On Wednesday, February 3, he was discovered was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Kenner. Telemundo Kansas City confirmed the news of his untimely death in a Facebook post shared on Thursday, February 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.
"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 network added that they were “cooperating with authorities as they investigate this tragic event".
According to a preliminary toxicology report, Xanax was found in Manzano’s system at the time of his death. However, he was not prescribed the medication, raising questions about how or when he ingested it.
The revelation was made by Kenner Police Detective Jeffrey Fitzmorris during a bond hearing for Danette Colbert, a woman who was arrested after being allegedly caught using Manzano’s stolen credit card.
Law enforcement reviewed security footage and found evidence of Manzano entering his hotel room with Colbert, 39, at around 4:30AM, but she was later seen leaving alone, PEOPLE reported.
While Colbert was not previously known to Kenner police, New Orleans investigators were already familiar with her. "She was found quite frequently in the French Quarter," Kenner police Chief Keith Conley said. "And she's known for these fraud schemes."
The woman, who was arrested by police one day after the reporter's tragic death, has a history of targeting men, with multiple accusations of drugging and robbing them across various states:
In 2014, she pleaded guilty to burglary charges in New Orleans after a man accused her of drugging and stealing from him, and in 2022, two separate men in Las Vegas accused her of similar actions, but both cases were dismissed.
Manzano was more than just a rising star in sports journalism - he was also a devoted father.
His toddler son is now left without both parents, as the late journalist's wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, tragically passed away in a car crash in April 2024, per WIBW.
She was remembered in an obituary as “the most kindest, caring, beautiful person. Her sparkling personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into. She was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face".
Manzano’s sudden passing has left a deep void in the sports world, with many mourning the loss of his talent and vibrant presence.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas paid tribute on X, writing that Manzano was "so young and full of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community".