Family to honor legacy of KC sports reporter Adan Manzano, who died covering Super Bowl
The family of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano, who died last week while covering the Chiefs at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, has set up a fundraising page to honor him.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Adan Manzano Aguilar,” the family said in a post on GoFundMe written in both Spanish and English. “His sudden departure has left our family devastated, and we are now faced with the difficult task of making funeral arrangements to honor his life and legacy.”
His family described him as a kind, loving and hardworking person who touched the lives of many with his warmth and generosity.
“He was a dedicated sports reporter and true fanatic at heart,” the family said. “His passion for sports and storytelling connected people from Kansas City all the way to his home in Mexico.
“Through his work, he brought communities together, sharing the excitement, emotion, and love for sports that he held dearly.”
Manzano, 27, was found unresponsive in his Comfort Suites hotel room in Kenner, Lousiana, Wednesday, officials said.
Danette Colbert of Slidell, Louisiana, whose arrest record includes allegations of drugging men and theft, was arrested in connection with the death by Kenner police, officials said in a news release.
Colbert was charged with simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud and computer fraud as the investigation into Manzano’s death continued, officials said.
According to jail records, Colbert was being held Sunday in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna, Louisiana.
Security video allegedly shows Colbert with Manzano at his hotel between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. the morning of his death. Colbert allegedly is seen leaving alone shortly thereafter. Colbert allegedly used Manzano’s credit card at several stores in the New Orleans area.
Manzano’s initial autopsy results found no apparent signs of trauma, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office. The results of the toxicology tests will take several weeks.
Manzano was covering his third Super Bowl for Telemundo and Tico Sports, a multimedia production company that broadcasts Chiefs games in Spanish. His death comes less than a year after the death of his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, who was a teacher for the Topeka Public Schools District. Their toddler daughter survives the couple.
Manzono’s family wants to use the money raised to give him “the farewell he deserves.” Proceeds will cover funeral expenses and provide his family with the means to “say goodbye properly.”
The Star’s PJ Green provided information for this story.
