What should have been a routine day covering one of the biggest sporting events in the country ended in tragedy.
Behind the glitz and excitement of the Super Bowl, a young reporter’s life was cut short, leaving friends, colleagues, and fans searching for answers about how such a promising career could be abruptly halted.
Tributes are flooding in for Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, who tragically passed away while reporting on the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Telemundo Kansas City confirmed his death on February 5, calling him “an exceptional professional and a rising star” whose dedication and passion left a lasting impression on the community.
The station expressed condolences to his family and is cooperating fully with authorities investigating the circumstances of his death.
Manzano’s passing comes less than a year after the tragic death of his partner, Ashleigh Boyd, in a car accident in April 2024. Together, they had a 15-month-old daughter, Eleanor, who now faces life without either parent.
Fans and colleagues have shared heartfelt messages on social media, honoring his kindness, professionalism, and contributions to Kansas City sports coverage. Many remembered him as a compassionate friend and dedicated coworker whose legacy will continue to inspire those who worked with him and followed his reporting.
The untimely death of Adan Manzano is a profound loss for the Kansas City community and the sports journalism world. Remembered for his talent, dedication, and kind spirit, his legacy will live on in the stories he told and the people he touched. In times of tragedy, his life serves as a reminder of the impact one passionate individual can have on a community.