The journalism community is grieving a tragic loss.
Adan Manzano, a Spanish-language sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, died while on assignment in New Orleans for the 2025 Super Bowl, according to the network. He was 27.
“As KGKC's Sports Anchor & Reporter, Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work,” the station’s general manager Steve Downing shared in a Feb. 6 statement. “We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community.”
The message continued, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
No cause of death was given, but Downing noted the organization was “cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event.”
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano lived in Topeka, Kan., to work for the Telemundo affiliate. In addition to covering the 2024 Super Bowl as a sideline reporter, he had a passion for bringing coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs to the broader Spanish-speaking community.
“Kansas City Chiefs are growing so fast in Mexico City,” he said in a Feb. 2024 interview with KSNT 27. “Hispanics’ and Latinos’ favorite sport is soccer, historically, but there’s always a space where football can also be a favorite sport. That’s why I think it’s important.”
Nine months prior to his death, Manzano’s wife Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar—a second grade teacher with whom he shared daughter Eleanor, 2—tragically died from a head-on car collision, according to WIBW 13. She was 24.
“Ashleigh was the most kindest, caring, beautiful person,” her obituary read. “Her sparkling personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into. She was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face. Ashleigh touched so many lives and had a positive influence on everyone she met!”
(E! News and Telemundo are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)