“Adan Manzano brought sports to life for Spanish-speaking fans in Kansas City.”





Families, friends and co-workers are heartbroken over the lost of Adan Manzano. He was assigned to cover the Super Bowl LIX game in New Orleans. But just days before the game, Manzano was found unresponsive in his hotel room.





“We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,” Telemundo’s statement read. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”







“Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play-by-play caller for the KC Current. He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected,” said Tico Produtions.



BY JOE ARCE AND COREY CRABLE


A somber feeling hung in the air as Super Bowl LIX kicked off Sunday in New Orleans and colleagues and media officials remembered Kansas City sports anchor Adan Manzano, who died Feb. 6 as he prepared to cover the biggest game of the year. Manzano, 27, known by his employers as “a true professional,” was an employee of both Telemundo KC and Tico Productions. The Kenner, LA, Police Department reported that Manzano was found unresponsive in his hotel room, and that Kenner police have arrested suspect Danette Colbert, 48, of Slidell after she was seen on a surveillance camera leaving his room, later using Manzano’s credit card at multiple local vendors. According to media reports, there are no other suspects at this time in Manzano’s death, and Colbert was arrested for theft and fraud offenses in her use of Manzano’s credit card. The investigation is on going, Kenner PD announced in a news conference, some additional charges could be pending. As of Feb. 8, she had not been charged in Manzano’s death, the Kenner Police Department reported. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said that Colbert has a history of being arrested for drugging men and stealing their cash and credit cards, adding that she has done so at least twice. “She is definitely a career criminal,” Conley said of Colbert. “Everyone should be aware of their surroundings. It’s a major concern, so it’s something that people need to be aware of.” In Kansas City, Manzano was remembered as a consummate professional who brought energy to his career. “In his career as a broadcaster, you can see the enthusiasm in what he did, and this should have been that highlight for him,” KCTV 5 sports director Marleah Campbell said in her report on the case. “Adan Manzano brought sports to life for Spanish-speaking fans in Kansas City.” Both of Manzano’s employers expressed their grief in written statements. “We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,” Telemundo’s statement read. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” And from Tico Productions: “Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play-by-play caller for the KC Current. He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected.” The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City released its own statement as well, saying Manzano’s legacy will inspire others. “His vibrant presence and passion for sports deeply touched the lives of many in our community,” the statement read. “Adan’s commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with viewers made him a beloved figure in Kansas City. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and he brought a unique energy to every broadcast.” Chamber President Carlos Gomez told Hispanic News, “it’s shocking that, following the shooting death of Lisa Lopez Galvan at Union Station at last year’s Chiefs victory rally, Kansas City has endured another tragedy surrounding the Super Bowl. “I was thinking that in the last year during the Superbowl or right after the game, we lost Lisa Lopez Galvan, and this year following now we lose Adan,” Gomez said. “It’s just coincidence, but we’re losing these people, right around the time of the Super Bowl.” Also, Manzano lost his wife to a car accident last year. He is survived by his toddler daughter. Tico Sports co-owner Cici Rojas emailed a statement on Super Bowl day. “Today, as we gather to watch the Super Bowl, we will be dedicating our broadcast in memory of Adan Manzano, a valued member of the TICO Sports broadcast team. He brought the excitement of the game to life as a valued member of the Tico Sports Spanish broadcast for the Chiefs, KC Current, Royals, and K-State Football. His enthusiasm and energy made him a beloved team player, respected by all who had the pleasure of working with him. Beyond his professional achievements, Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and a loyal friend. His spirit, kindness, and dedication to the people around him will forever be cherished. As we honor Adan this Sunday, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life and the impact he made within our TICO Family. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Adan. Tico Strong.