Cause of Death for Reporter Adan Manzano, Who Was Found Dead While Covering the Super Bowl, Revealed — Details

Police revealed new details about the death of a 27-year-old broadcast journalist as authorities filed charges against individuals connected to the case.

Kenner Police revealed that KGKC Telemundo Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano died from a fatal combination of substances and circumstances. Officers found Manzano unresponsive in his New Orleans hotel room on February 6, 2025, where he was staying to cover the Super Bowl LIX.

"Cause of death we have is the combined toxic effects of alprazolam, which is also known as Xanax, with ethanol which is alcohol, along with what's called positional asphyxia," Coroner Dr. Jerry Satanovich said in a press conference on March 19.

Satanovich explained that Manzano was found face down on a pillow, with "no lividity around his nose and mouth," consistent with positional asphyxia. He also reported his blood alcohol level was 0.232, nearly three times the legal limit, with Xanax detected at 25 nanograms per milliliter. The manner of death remains "undetermined."

Police later filed charges against two individuals linked to the case. According to WDSU News, Danette Colbert, identified as a suspect, now faces a second-degree murder charge, while her alleged accomplice Ricky White was arrested on theft charges.

As reported on February 7, police arrested Colbert, a Louisiana woman with a history of drugging men and stealing credit cards, after the TV reporter was found unresponsive in his hotel room.

Manzano had traveled to the city to cover the highly anticipated Super Bowl for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports — a career milestone he had long dreamed of. But that dream was tragically cut short.

According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, hotel security footage captured Colbert entering Manzano's room at 4:35 a.m. on Wednesday.

When detectives searched the room, they found Manzano's credit card missing. Authorities later tracked transactions made with the stolen card at multiple stores across New Orleans.

In his statement, Conley added that Colbert has been "charged with property crimes, including fraud and theft-related offenses," though "this investigation remains ongoing."

At the time, authorities had not yet determined how Manzano died and were still working to establish the exact cause. "You asked if this was a homicide, I don't know where it's going to end up. We're going to let the evidence lead us to the end result and not speculate," Conley said.

In a previous report released by the Jefferson Parish Coroner's office on February 7, Manzano died at a Kenner hotel on February 6. "There were no obvious signs of trauma to his body," the office added. Following the autopsy, officials withheld the final cause of death pending further tests.

KGKC Telemundo Kansas City shared that Manzano was covering the Super Bowl LIX for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. The media house added, "We are cooperating with authorities as they investigate this tragic event."

They also spoke proudly of Manzano, "Adam was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adam, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community [sic]."

The media company 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.

Adan 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.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas paid tribute to Manzano, saying he was young, full of energy, and dedicated to covering community events. Lucas shared his condolences with Manzano's family, friends, and colleagues, calling the news "very sad."

Additionally, Steve Downing, general manager of KGKC, 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 Manzano was a rising star with a bright future.

Manzano was deeply passionate about sports and his community, which he covered with dedication. His commitment was evident as he was Telemundo Kansas City's only journalist in New Orleans covering the big game.

Super Bowl LIX was the sports journalist's third consecutive 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. He was proud of bringing sports to people from different backgrounds and 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.

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.

Manzano was excited to return to the Super Bowl in 2025. His last Instagram post was about the big upcoming 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 was involved 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 bio featured a special message for his late wife, reading, "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 [sic] 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, he had a special way of including 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.