Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports broadcaster for Telemundo 39 in Kansas City, died unexpectedly on Wednesday while on assignment at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the network announced.
Manzano was covering the championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome when he passed away. Local law enforcement is currently investigating the circumstances of his death.
The young journalist had been actively sharing reports on social media in the days leading up to the event for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. Telemundo’s Kansas City affiliate released a statement praising Manzano’s professional dedication, calling him “a true professional and a rising star” who made significant contributions to the local community.
The tragedy is compounded by Manzano’s recent personal loss. Just ten months earlier, in April 2024, his wife Ashleigh Boyd died in a multi-vehicle crash in Topeka, Kansas. Their one-year-old daughter, Eleanor, survived that accident.
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano built an impressive sports journalism career after moving to Topeka in 2018. He graduated from Kansas State University and worked with several media organizations, including La Semana del Sur, Reyes Media Group, and Sky Sports México, before joining Telemundo 39 as a sports anchor in April 2021.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared his condolences on social media, noting Manzano’s community involvement. “Adan was so young and full of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community,” Lucas wrote. “So very sad to see this news. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
As the investigation continues, Telemundo 39 has not yet disclosed the cause of Manzano’s death. The network confirmed it is cooperating fully with local authorities.
