A reporter has suddenly died in Louisiana while covering the Super Bowl — just a year after his wife also died.
Adan Manzano, a journalist for Telemundo Kansas City, was in New Orleans doing some early coverage for this Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX. He was staying at the Contempra Inn in Kenner on the night of February 5, and failed to check out of his hotel room that morning, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office told People. When a check was conducted on his room by the manager, the 27-year-old was found face-down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead the same day. So, so sad.
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In an official statement about the tragedy from Telemundo and Manzano’s other network Tico Sports, they said he was a “rising star” and super respected amongst his colleagues:
“We are saddened to share that Adan Manzano passed away yesterday in New Orleans, while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event. As KGKC’s sports anchor and reporter, Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work. We will deeply miss his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Manzano’s death comes just one year after his wife, an elementary school teacher named Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd (pictured above) in his hometown of Topeka, also suddenly died as a result of a car crash. She was only 24. The couple leave behind one daughter, a toddler… now an orphan. Heartbreaking.
So… what happened?!
The reporter’s death has been shrouded in mystery. Found dead but with no clear explanation for several hours.
Well, police may not have been very open with the press, but they were investigating that whole time. And now they’ve made an arrest.
The Kenner Police Department announced on Friday a woman named Danette Colbert was taken into custody after being caught attempting to use the man’s credit card at several stores in NOLA. Law enforcement also say they have CCTV footage of Colbert entering Manzano’s room the morning of his death, only to leave the room later in the day.
The woman has been charged with fraud and theft-related offenses, but the investigation is still ongoing and police have a lot of unanswered questions. The KPD also say Colbert has been previously arrested on allegations of drugging and robbing men, theft of currency, and fraudulent use of credit and debit cards — among other financial-related crimes.
Chief Keith Conley explained at a press conference on Friday:
“She was found quite frequently in the French Quarter, and she’s known for these fraud schemes… She plays a confidence game, she’s definitely a career criminal.”
But is she a murderer? They said she is known for “drugging” men to rob them… Did she go too far and kill Adan? We won’t know for sure for some time as authorities have still not determined his cause of death. But it seems at least the investigation is on the right track.
Our heart is with the late reporter’s family and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time. We also send our love to their child who has sadly lost both her mom and dad.
R.I.P.
[Image via Adan Manzano/Facebook/Kenner Police
