Super Bowl LIV was supposed to be a fun night full of energy and memorable moments. Adan Manzano, a young and talented radio journalist, was present to report on everything.
Instead of covering the exciting events at the stadium, his name is now in the news for a sad reason.
Adan Manzano, a skilled television journalist, was in New Orleans for his third year covering the Super Bowl. He worked for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports during Super Bowl LIV.
He was very passionate about sports, fully committing himself to covering the games and supporting his community.
He was thrilled to be part of a unique Super Bowl, especially with the Kansas City Chiefs trying to win for the third time in a row. As the only writer for Telemundo Kansas City in New Orleans, he showed what it truly means to be dedicated to his job.
This was his third year in a row covering the Super Bowl, after he had worked in the television booth before. In 2024, he became a bench reporter, something he never thought would happen so fast. “I always dreamed about this, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly.” He said, “It’s just a blessing.”
I found him not awake.
Sadly, the 27-year-old was found dead on February 6, 2025. He was found unconscious in his hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, near New Orleans, according to NOLA.com. On Thursday, February 7, the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office announced that Adan Manzano was found dead in a hotel in Kenner.
The office said that “there were no clear signs of injury on his body.”
An autopsy has been done, but officials say they are still waiting for more tests to determine the exact cause of death.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City shared the sad news, remembering Manzano’s promising career and the great promise he showed in his work.
The news station said, “Adan was an outstanding worker and a promising talent who showed great commitment and skill in his job.” “We will really miss Adan and his love for sports, as well as everything he did for our community.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also remembered the life of Adan Manzano, saying, ”Adan was so young and full of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community. It’s really sad to hear this news. I am sorry for his family, friends, and coworkers.
Dedicated sideline reporter Adan Manzano, originally from Mexico City according to Daily Mail, finished from Kansas State University before making his mark with the Chiefs Television Crew.
He started as a field reporter for the team at the beginning of the last NFL season, according to Fox affiliate KCTV. The young journalist received a lot of respect for his sideline reporting on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Spanish broadcasts and for being the play-by-play announcer for the KC Current.
Adan Manzano was great at sharing football with Spanish-speaking fans, which he really loved doing.
“Manzano told NBC affiliate KSNT-TV last year that the Kansas City Chiefs are gaining a lot of popularity in Mexico City.”
“We want to reach out to the Spanish community because Hispanic and Latino people have always supported soccer. However, there is still a chance to make football their favorite sport.” That’s why I believe it’s important.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City expressed, “He will be deeply missed by our TICO Family and will always be remembered in our hearts.”
The station said they are working with officials as they look into this unfortunate event.
Loving father to a young girl.
In his personal life, Adan Manzano was a loving father to his young daughter, Eleanor. Sadly, Eleanor has lost both of her parents.
Her mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, died on April 11, 2024, at the age of 24.
She was in a multi-car accident southwest of Topeka, which resulted in major injuries to an infant who was a passenger in her car. The driver of the other car was also taken to the hospital quickly.
An obituary honored Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar as “the kindest, most caring, and beautiful person.” Her bright nature was described as infectious, always making any room she walked into happier. She was like a ray of sunshine, always smiling and bringing happiness to those around her.
Adan Manzano also had a special Instagram description for his late wife: “Always in my heart @ashleighboyd37 ❤️🕊.”
Manzano loved his baby girl very much. She was only 15 months old when her mother died. Even when his daughter wasn’t with him on the field, he always found ways to include her in his life.
At the first media game held by Kansas City Current, he shared a collage of pictures, one of which showed him wearing a jersey with Eleanor’s name on the back. He wrote, “There’s a girl who has won my heart, and I think I’m going to love her forever🎀.”
The loss of Adan Manzano is a deeply sad event that has created a gap in sports writing and among the people who knew him.
People will always remember his passion for his work, his love for his town, and his dedication to his daughter. As we think about his lively personality and impressive work, we are thinking of his family, friends, and everyone who was affected by him. May his impact inspire us, and may those who loved him always remember him.