Adán Manzano, a reporter from Mexico covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, was found dead in his hotel room. His mysterious death is currently under investigation, as the case has taken a sudden turn. Here is what we know about it.
Who was Adán Manzano?
Adán Manzano, who was 27 years old at the time of his death, was a television reporter working for Telemundo Kansas City, where he was covering his third Super Bowl.
Born in Mexico in 1997, Manzano studied Communication and Journalism at the Universidad Latinoamericana from 2018 to 2021. He then moved to the United States, where he completed his studies at Kansas State University.
In the United States, he began his professional career as a writer for Sky Sports and later joined the team at Reyes Media Group. In his last NFL season, he became part of the Chiefs Television Crew as a reporter.
On April 11, 2024, the presenter faced a devastating tragedy. His wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, died in a car accident. The couple had a daughter, Eleanor, who is now an orphan.
The journalist was found dead on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 5, after failing to show up for work events he was supposed to cover. Among his colleagues, he was regarded as “an exceptional professional” and “a rising star”.
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Cause of Adán Manzano’s death
As of now, the cause of Adán Manzano’s death has not been revealed. Neither his family nor Telemundo have provided further information, although they stated that they are cooperating with the authorities, who are investigating the case as a potential crime.
Woman arrested in connection with Adán Manzano’s death
The Kenner Police in New Orleans have reported that a woman with a history of drugging men was seen entering and leaving Manzano’s room the morning of his death. It was also added that she later used his credit card at several businesses in the city.
The woman in question is 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who was arrested on Thursday and is currently facing charges related to property crimes. However, the investigation into the journalist’s death continues, and her charges may be modified once the coroner’s office completes its report.
The police chief mentioned that Colbert had an illegal firearm and drugs at the time of her arrest; however, he clarified that the weapon is not linked to Manzano’s death, although it has not been ruled out that the drugs may have played a role in the case.
Authorities began to suspect foul play when they noticed that Manzano’s wallet was missing from his room. Security cameras captured Colbert and Manzano entering the Comfort Suites hotel room together at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Reports state that Colbert left the room shortly afterward, returned briefly, and then left around 6 a.m., never to return. In contrast, Manzano was not seen leaving the room.
Warning about criminals at the Super Bowl
The New Orleans Police have issued a warning to those attending the Super Bowl, urging them to remain alert, as criminals are known to travel to large events and exploit the vulnerability of those in unfamiliar places.
“This highlights the fact that there are people who take advantage of others, gain their trust, and victimize them. Whenever a major event like the Super Bowl is held, itinerant criminals looking for victims tend to appear,” they stated.
