Adan Manzano, a rising sports journalist, was on assignment in New Orleans, covering the excitement of Super Bowl LIV for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. But what was supposed to be another milestone in his promising career turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
On February 6, at just 27 years old, Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana. His sudden passing shocked everyone who knew him.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City, where he worked as a sports anchor, confirmed the devastating news, calling him a talented professional with an extraordinary passion for his work.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office reported that there were no obvious signs of trauma on Manzano’s body. However, his cause of death remains unknown as officials await further test results.
In a statement, Telemundo Kansas City expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Manzano. “Adan was a true professional and a rising star. His passion for sports and dedication to his community were unmatched. We will deeply miss him.”
His colleagues and friends described him as hardworking, kind, and always willing to help. He was well-loved and respected, not just in his workplace but also among sports fans who followed his coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs.
His voice had become familiar in Spanish-language sports broadcasts, and he was also known as the play-by-play announcer for the KC Current.
“We will greatly miss Adan,” Telemundo Kansas City said in another touching statement. “He will always be a part of our TICO Sports family, living on in our hearts and memories.”
Manzano’s death has left an impact on many, including Kansas City’s mayor, Quinton Lucas. “Adan was so young and full of energy,” the mayor wrote in tribute. “He covered almost every event in the community.
This is truly heartbreaking. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Steve Downing, the general manager of KGKC, also spoke about the loss. He shared that Manzano had been thrilled about covering the Super Bowl, especially since the Chiefs had the chance to make history with a third consecutive win.
“He was a rising star, and his future was so bright,” Downing said. “He was deeply passionate about sports and his community, and it showed in his work. He was the only journalist from Telemundo Kansas City covering the game in New Orleans. That’s how dedicated he was.”
Downing also assured fans that despite the tragedy, they would continue their coverage of the Super Bowl. “He would have wanted us to keep going, to bring all the excitement, all the color, and everything the Super Bowl means to Kansas City.”
Manzano had always been proud of his role in bringing sports to Spanish-speaking audiences. He believed that calling games in Spanish helped people connect with the sport on a deeper level.
“Bringing this to the Spanish community is important because Hispanics and Latinos have always supported soccer, but there’s still a space for football to become the favorite sport,” he once said passionately.
“It’s about the way we tell the story, the rhythm, the emotion. It brings the game to life.”
His reach extended far beyond Kansas City. Fans from Spain, Brazil, and beyond tuned in to his broadcasts, appreciating the way he brought energy and excitement to every game.
Manzano’s career had been on a steady rise. In 2023, he had worked inside the broadcast booth during the Super Bowl. But by 2024, he was promoted to a sideline reporter, an achievement he was immensely proud of.
“I used to dream about this,” he once shared. “But I never expected it to happen so soon. It’s just a blessing.”
He had been eagerly looking forward to covering the Super Bowl in 2025. His last Instagram post was filled with excitement about the upcoming game: “‘Opening Night’ officially kicks off Super Bowl LIX week! 🌟
The teams, the excitement, and all the stories surrounding this big event where the Chiefs seek the coveted tri-championship start here. Don’t miss any details of this great event by Telemundo Kansas City! 🔥🏆.”
Beyond his career, Manzano was a devoted father to his young daughter, Eleanor. But now, heartbreakingly, Eleanor has lost both of her parents. Her mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, tragically passed away on April 11, 2024, at just 24 years old.
She was killed in a multi-vehicle crash southwest of Topeka. An infant passenger in her car was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, as was the driver of the other car.
Boyd had been a dedicated second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School. She was loved by her students and respected by her colleagues. She was also an active member of the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY), always giving back to the community.
Manzano’s Instagram bio held a heartfelt tribute to his late wife: “Always in my heart @ashleighboyd37 ❤️🕊.” He had been devoted to her and incredibly proud of her support.
When he made the leap from the broadcast booth to sideline reporting in 2024, she had been his biggest cheerleader. “He has worked so hard for this,” she once said. “There were times he had to juggle two or three jobs just to make ends meet.
And now, seeing him do what he loves—it’s the best feeling ever.”
At home, Manzano’s wife and daughter would make a game out of watching him on TV, racing to see who could spot him first as he appeared on the screen.
Even though Eleanor was only 15 months old when her mother passed away, Manzano made sure she was always part of his journey. When he attended the first media game hosted by Kansas City Current, he posted a collage of pictures.
One of the photos showed him wearing a jersey with “Eleanor” written on the back. He captioned the post, “There is this girl who stole my heart, and something tells me I am going to love her forever 🎀.”
Now, the sports world and the community that loved Manzano are mourning his loss.
His dedication, passion, and heart will never be forgotten. And while his young daughter will grow up without her parents, the love they had for her will always remain.
