Adan Manzano was a rising star in sports journalism, known for his passion, dedication, and love for the game. He had traveled to New Orleans on assignment, ready to cover Super Bowl LIV for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports.
It was an incredible opportunity for him, one he had been looking forward to for months. But tragically, his journey was cut short.
On Wednesday, February 6, the 27-year-old journalist was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana. The shocking news devastated his colleagues, friends, and family.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City confirmed his passing and honored him as a talented and hardworking professional.
“Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work. We will deeply miss his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community,” the media house shared in a heartfelt statement.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office conducted an autopsy but found no visible injuries on his body. “There were no obvious signs of trauma,” they stated. However, the official cause of death remains pending as further tests are being carried out.
Manzano had been covering the Super Bowl for three consecutive seasons. His work as a sideline reporter for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Spanish-language broadcasts and as a play-by-play announcer for the KC Current made him a beloved voice in the sports community.
His vibrant storytelling and enthusiasm for the game touched listeners across Kansas City and beyond.
Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed his grief, writing, “Adan was so young and full of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community. So very sad to see this news. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Steve Downing, the general manager of KGKC, also spoke about Manzano’s love for his work. “He was thrilled at the opportunity to cover such a historic event. He had a bright future ahead of him,” Downing shared.
“He would have wanted us to keep going and do our best to bring all the color, all the excitement, all that the Super Bowl means to Kansas City.”
Manzano had always been proud of his ability to bring sports coverage to Spanish-speaking audiences. He once spoke passionately about why this mattered to him.
“Bringing that to the Spanish community is so important because Hispanics and Latinos have always supported soccer culturally and historically, but there’s always room for football to become their favorite sport. That’s why I do this.”
His broadcasts reached far beyond Kansas City, with listeners tuning in from places like Spain and Brazil, grateful for coverage in their native language.
In 2023, Manzano had covered the Super Bowl from the broadcast booth. But in 2024, he was promoted to a sideline reporter—an achievement that filled him with pride and excitement.
“I used to dream about this, but I never expected it to happen so soon. It’s just a blessing,” he had said at the time.
He was already looking forward to covering the Super Bowl again in 2025. His final Instagram post reflected his excitement.
“‘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! 🔥🏆.”
But beyond his career, Manzano was also a devoted father. His young daughter, Eleanor, meant everything to him. Sadly, little Eleanor had already suffered a heartbreaking loss before her father’s passing.
Her mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, had died in a tragic multi-vehicle crash on April 11, 2024. She was only 24 years old.
Ashleigh had been a second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School, loved by her students and respected by her colleagues. She was an active member of the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) and believed in making a difference in children’s lives.
Manzano’s Instagram still carries a special tribute to her. His bio reads: “Always in my heart @ashleighboyd37 ❤️🕊.”
Ashleigh had always been his biggest supporter. She was overjoyed when he made the leap from the broadcast booth to the sidelines.
“He has worked so hard for this. There were times when he had two or three jobs just to make ends meet. And now, knowing he gets to do what he loves—it’s the best feeling ever,” she had once shared.
At home, she and Eleanor would make a game out of watching him on TV. They would race to see who could spot him first during a live broadcast. It was their special tradition.
Manzano adored his daughter. When she was just 15 months old, after her mother’s passing, he found ways to keep her close even when he was working. During his first media game with the Kansas City Current, he posted a collage of photos.
One picture stood out—it showed him wearing a jersey with Eleanor’s name on the back. His caption read:
“There is this girl who stole my heart, and something tells me I am going to love her forever🎀.”
Now, the young girl has lost both her parents. The sports community that knew and admired Manzano is mourning deeply. His voice, his energy, and his passion for the game will be greatly missed.
“He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories,” KGKC Telemundo Kansas City stated.
Though his time was short, Adan Manzano made a lasting impact. His love for the game, his dedication to storytelling, and his devotion to his daughter will never be forgotten.
