A 27-year-old sports anchor and reporter from Kansas City tragically passed away while on assignment covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, his employer announced. Adan Manzano, who worked for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports, died on Wednesday, February 5, according to a statement from Telemundo Kansas City.
“Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work,” the news station said. “We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.”
According to a statement from the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office, Adan Manzano was found deceased in a hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, as reported by NOLA.com.
Although an autopsy has been conducted, the official cause of death remains undetermined pending further test results, NOLA.com noted.
Originally from Mexico City, Adan Manzano earned his degree from Kansas State University and began working as a sideline reporter for the Chiefs Television Crew at the start of the last NFL season.
Tragically, his wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, passed away in a car accident on April 11, 2024, according to CBS affiliate WIBW. Her obituary described her as “the kindest, most caring, and beautiful person,” whose “sparkling personality was contagious, lighting up any room she entered. She was a ray of sunshine, always wearing a smile.”
Manzano and Boyd leave behind their young daughter, Eleanor.
This year marked Manzano’s third consecutive season covering the Super Bowl.
