The broadcast journalist was in New Orleans on assignment to cover the Super Bowl LIV for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City confirmed the death of its sports anchor, Adan Manzano (Aguilar). The 27-year-old, who died on Wednesday, February 6, has been remembered as a promising talent, who represented outstanding quality in his work.
According to a statement released by the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office on Thursday, February 7, Manzano died at a Kenner hotel. “There were no obvious signs of trauma to his body,” the coroner’s office added.
As much as the coroner has conducted an autopsy on his body, authorities have noted that his official cause of death is still on hold until further tests are carried out.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City shared that Manzano was covering the Super Bowl LIV for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. The media house added, “We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event.”
They also spoke proudly of Manzano, “Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community.”
Adan Manzano Aguilar covering the Super Bowl LVII with his colleagues, from a post dated February 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/adanmanzanoa
The media house sent their condolences and thoughts to Manzano’s family, loved ones, and friends. His colleagues, who described him as helpful, also liked and respected him while his friends termed him as loyal.
Manzano was recognized for his sideline reporting on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Spanish-language broadcasts and as the play-by-play announcer for the KC Current. “He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories,” KGKC Telemundo Kansas City said in a touching statement.
The Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Quinton Lucas, has also paid tribute to the broadcast journalist, 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.”
Additionally, Steve Downing, the general manager of KGKC has spoken out. He shared that Manzano was thrilled at the prospect of covering a historic event like the potential threepeat at the Super Bowl. He mourned his loss, saying that Manzano was a rising star with a bright future.
He was deeply passionate about sports and his community, which he covered with dedication. Manzano’s commitment was evident as he was Telemundo Kansas City’s only journalist in New Orleans covering the big game.
Super Bowl LIV was the sports journalist’s third straight season covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC. Downing is now relying on their media house partnership with TICO Sports for continued broadcast.
“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,” shared Downing. A LinkedIn profile that appears to be Manzano’s shows that he had worked as a freelance sports anchor at KBKC since 2021.
Manzano was proud of bringing sports to people from different backgrounds. He was excited to cover the Kansas City Currents and celebrated their fast growth in Mexico.
“Bringing that to the Spanish community because the Hispanic and Latinos- they’ve supported soccer culturally and historically, but there’s always a space where football can be the favorite sport. That’s why I think it’s important,” he enthused.
Manzano believed that providing Spanish-speaking listeners with the game in their native language made it easier for them to connect with the sport. He emphasized that the unique phrasing, rhythm, and tone of voice used during key moments enhance their enjoyment of the game and help bring the experience to life for fans.
His reach extended far beyond Kansas City, with listeners from places like Spain and Brazil also tuning in and appreciating the broadcast in their own language.
Adan Manzano Aguilar covering the Super Bowl LVIII, from a post dated February 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/adanmanzanoa
In 2023, Manzano covered the Super Bowl in the broadcast booth. However, in 2024, he was upgraded to a sideline reporter. “I used to dream about this but I never expected that it was going to come that soon. It’s just a blessing,” he said.
So, Manzano was excited to be back to the Super Bowl in 2025. The last post on his Instagram before his demise was about the big game.
He wrote, “‘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! 🔥🏆.”
As for his personal life, The sports journalist was a devoted father to his young daughter, Eleanor. Sadly, Eleanor has now lost both her parents as her mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, died on April 11, 2024, at the age of 24.
She died in a multiple-vehicle crash southwest of Topeka. An infant passenger in the car with her was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries as well as the driver of the other car.
Boyd was a dedicated second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School, who was cherished by students, parents, and the staff. She also held membership at the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) and was an active participant.
Manzano’s Instagram description has a special message for his late wife, which reads, “Always in my heart @ashleighboyd37 ❤️🕊.” The sports journalist’s wife also adored him and was so proud of him when he went from airing from the broadcast booth to a sideline reporter at the Super Bowl in 2024.
“He has worked so hard at this. There’s been times when he’s had two or three jobs to make ends meet. And now knowing he gets to go out there and do what he loves and what he’s good at, it’s just the best feelings ever,” she shared.
At home, Manzano’s wife and daughter enjoyed racing to see who could spot him first on the TV screens while he broadcasted the game live.
Manzano cherished his baby girl, who was only 15 months old when her mother died. Even when his daughter was not in the field with him, Manzano had a special way to include her.
When he attended the first media game hosted by Kansas City Current, he posted a collage of pictures, with one shot showing him in a jersey with Eleanor’s name written on the back. He captioned the post, “There is this girl who stole my heart and something tells me I am going to love her forever🎀.”
It is now heartbreaking that a young girl has lost both her parents. The entire sports community that knew Manzano is also mourning his loss while honoring his hard work and dedication to the game and profession.
