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| adan manzano aguilar | source: instagram/telemundokc |
The broadcast journalist had traveled to New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIV for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City confirmed the passing of its sports anchor, Adan Manzano (Aguilar). The 27-year-old, who died on Wednesday, February 6, is being remembered as a talented individual whose work was marked by exceptional quality.
In a statement released by the Jefferson Parish Coroner's office on Thursday, February 7, it was revealed that Manzano passed away at a Kenner hotel. "There were no obvious signs of trauma to his body," the coroner’s office noted.
The official cause of death remains pending as additional tests are conducted following the autopsy.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City stated that Manzano was in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIV for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. The station added, "We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event."
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They also expressed pride in Manzano, saying, "Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community."
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| adan manzano aguilar covering the super bowl lvii with his colleagues, from a post dated february 15, 2023 | source: instagram/adanmanzanoa |
The station extended their condolences and thoughts to Manzano’s family, loved ones, and friends. Colleagues described him as helpful, respected, and admired, while friends called him loyal.
Manzano was well-known for his sideline reporting during 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 an emotional statement.
Quinton Lucas, the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, also paid tribute to the broadcast journalist, writing, "Adan was so young and full of energy, and truly covered almost every event in the community. So very sad to see this news. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues."
Steve Downing, the general manager of KGKC, shared his thoughts as well. He mentioned that Manzano was thrilled about covering a historic event like the potential threepeat at the Super Bowl. Downing mourned the loss, calling Manzano a rising star with a promising future.
Manzano was deeply passionate about sports and his community, which he covered with unwavering dedication. His commitment was evident as he was the only journalist from Telemundo Kansas City in New Orleans covering the big game.
Super Bowl LIV marked the third consecutive season Manzano covered the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC. Downing is now relying on their media partnership with TICO Sports to continue the broadcast efforts.
"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," Downing shared. A LinkedIn profile believed to belong to Manzano shows that he had worked as a freelance sports anchor at KBKC since 2021.
Manzano took great pride in bringing sports to diverse audiences. He was thrilled to cover the Kansas City Currents and celebrated their rapid 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 expressed enthusiastically.
Manzano believed that providing Spanish-speaking listeners with commentary in their native language helped them connect more deeply with the sport. He emphasized that the unique phrasing, rhythm, and tone used during pivotal moments enhanced their enjoyment and brought the experience to life for fans.
His reach extended far beyond Kansas City, with listeners from places like Spain and Brazil tuning in and appreciating the broadcast in their own language.
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| adan manzano aguilar covering the super bowl lviii, from a post dated february 17, 2024 | source: instagram/adanmanzanoa |
In 2023, Manzano covered the Super Bowl from the broadcast booth. However, in 2024, he was promoted to a sideline reporter role. "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 final Instagram post highlighted the 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! 🔥🏆."
On a personal note, the sports journalist was a devoted father to his young daughter, Eleanor. Tragically, Eleanor has now lost both her parents, as her mother, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 24.
She was involved in a multi-vehicle crash southwest of Topeka. An infant passenger in her car, along with the driver of the other vehicle, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Boyd was a dedicated second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School, beloved by students, parents, and staff. She was also an active member of the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY).
Manzano’s Instagram description includes a heartfelt message for his late wife, reading, "Always in my heart @ashleighboyd37 ❤️🕊." His wife was incredibly proud of him when he transitioned from the broadcast booth to a sideline reporter role 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 ever," she shared.
At home, Manzano’s wife and daughter enjoyed racing to see who could spot him first on TV during his live broadcasts.
Manzano adored his baby girl, who was only 15 months old when her mother passed away. Even when she wasn’t physically present with him, Manzano found special ways to include her.
During the first media game hosted by Kansas City Current, he posted a collage of pictures, one of which showed him wearing a jersey with Eleanor’s name 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 heartbreaking that a young girl has now lost both her parents. The entire sports community that knew Manzano is mourning his loss while honoring his hard work and dedication to his profession and the game.
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