KANSAS CITY, Mo. — KGKC Telemundo Kansas City is mourning the loss of one of its sports anchors who died while in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX.
Adan Manzano, 27, died on Wednesday in New Orleans while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, KGKC said in a news release.
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KGKC did not say how Manzano died but said they are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event.
KGKC shared this message about Manzano:
“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. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
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“To be able to be out there and potentially cover something this historic as a potential threepeat he was very excited for that,” Steve Downing, KGKC general manager, said.
“Adan was a rising star, he was a young guy with a bright future, passionate for sports and that’s what he covered. Passionate for his community as well,” Downing said.
Manzano was Telemundo Kansas City’s only journalist in New Orleans covering the game.
Downing says they’ll rely on their continued partnership with TICO sports during a time of tremendous loss.
“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.”
This was Manzano’s third-straight season covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC.
He will be honored with tributes on Friday night’s local Telemundo newscasts here in Kansas City.
Tico Sports provided this statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the death of Adan Manzano Aguilar while in New Orleans on assignment for Telemundo Kansas City, and as a member of our Tico Sports Spanish broadcast team. We are cooperating with law enforcement as they are investigating this tragic event. Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play by play caller for the KC Current. He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected. Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly
missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.”
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano relocated to Topeka, Kansas, in 2018 and later earned a degree from Kansas State University. He was married to Ashleigh Boyd and had a daughter named Eleanor. Boyd died in a car crash last April.
Manzano was an award-winning reporter, receiving accolades from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2024.
KAB posted on social media that the organization was deeply saddened by his loss, and is sharing condolences with his family, friends and colleagues.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also made a statement on social media, saying: “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.”
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