An arrest has been made in connection with the death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano while he was in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIX.
Manzano, 27, was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on Wednesday. Thursday, the Kenner Police Department said that Danette Colbert of Slidell, Louisiana, had been arrested after she was found allegedly using Manzano’s credit card at multiple stores. She was also allegedly seen leaving his hotel room on surveillance footage.
Police said surveillance footage from the hotel showed Colbert with Manzano on the morning of February 5 and later leaving the room alone.
Colbert is currently facing charges related to fraud and theft, but authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active.
According to police, Colbert has a history of financial crimes, including allegations of drugging men, stealing money, and fraudulent credit card use.
The station also reported that the coroner’s office said there were “no obvious signs of trauma” as it investigates Manzano’s cause of death.
Manzano worked for Telemundo Kansas City. In a statement on Wednesday, the station lauded his professionalism and work ethic.
“As KGKC’s sports anchor and reporter, Adan was a true professional and a rising star who exemplified excellence in his work,” the network said in a statement. “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.”
Manzano, according to Fox 4 in Kansas City, was originally from Mexico City. He moved to Topeka, Kansas, in 2018 and graduated from Kansas State. He’s been with Telemundo Kansas City since 2021 and was preparing to cover his third Super Bowl with the station.
Manzano was also covering the game for Tico Sports and was a member of their Spanish broadcast team.
“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,” Tico Sports said in a statement. “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.”
Manzano is survived by his daughter, Eleanor. His wife, Ashleigh, was killed in a car crash last April, per Fox 4.