Young journalist found dead in hotel during Super Bowl LIV
Rising reporter’s sudden death shocks sports world amid championship excitement.
Adan Manzano, a talented young journalist known for his passion for sports and dedication to his community, was found dead in his hotel room on February 6, 2025, while covering Super Bowl LIV in New Orleans.
Manzano, 27, worked for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, covering the Kansas City Chiefs’ Spanish-language broadcasts. This year’s Super Bowl was especially meaningful for him, as the Chiefs were on the brink of making history with a potential three-peat championship.
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano’s career had taken off quickly. After graduating from Kansas State University, he became a key part of the Chiefs’ broadcasting team. In 2024, he was promoted to sideline reporter—a role he had once only dreamed of achieving.
“I used to dream about this, but I never expected it would come so soon. It’s just a blessing,” he shared.
Found unresponsive in hotel room
Tragically, Manzano was found unresponsive in his hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, NOLA.com reported. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed his passing, stating that “there were no obvious signs of trauma to his body.”
An autopsy has been conducted, but the official cause of death is still pending additional testing.
Tributes pour in for Manzano
News of his sudden passing has left colleagues, friends, and fans heartbroken. Telemundo Kansas City released a statement honoring his work and dedication.
View this post on Instagram
“Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also paid tribute, saying,
“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.”
A devoted father to a young daughter
Beyond his journalism career, Manzano was a loving father to his young daughter, Eleanor. His loss is made even more heartbreaking by the fact that she has now lost both parents.
Eleanor’s mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, passed away on April 11, 2024, at just 24 years old. She was involved in a multi-vehicle crash southwest of Topeka, leaving an infant passenger in her car with serious injuries.
Manzano deeply cherished his daughter, often sharing heartfelt messages about her. At a Kansas City Current media event, he wore a jersey with Eleanor’s name on the back, captioning the moment,
“There is this girl who stole my heart and something tells me I am going to love her forever🎀.”
View this post on Instagram
A lasting legacy
Adan Manzano’s sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the world of sports journalism and the Kansas City community. His passion for his work, his love for his family, and his dedication to bringing the excitement of sports to Spanish-speaking audiences will not be forgotten.
In a heartfelt tribute, Telemundo Kansas City shared,
“He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.”
The station also confirmed they are “cooperating with authorities as they investigate this tragic event.”
As those who knew him mourn his passing, his memory will live on in the hearts of many, and his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring journalists.
