Reporter Adan Manzano, 27, Dies While Covering the Super Bowl – A Rising Star Taken Too Soon
In a tragic turn of events, Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports reporter Adan Manzano, 27, passed away while on assignment covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 5, 2024. His untimely death, which occurred just 10 months after the loss of his partner Ashleigh Boyd in a fatal car accident, has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting community and beyond.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Adan Manzano was widely regarded as an exceptional professional—a rising star whose passion for sports journalism and unwavering dedication set him apart from his peers. Employed as both a reporter and sports anchor at Telemundo Kansas City, Manzano’s vibrant presence and articulate reporting made him a well-known figure in the local media landscape. His work for Tico Sports further highlighted his versatility and commitment to covering the stories that resonated with his community.
Telemundo Kansas City confirmed his passing in an official post on social media, stating:
“We are sorry to share that Adan Manzano, reporter and sports anchor for Telemundo Kansas City, passed away yesterday in New Orleans while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports. Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
The statement further noted that the station is cooperating with authorities as they investigate the tragic event.
A Community in Mourning
In the immediate aftermath of the news, tributes have flooded in from fans, colleagues, and members of the community. Social media platforms have become a space for heartfelt condolences, with one Facebook user simply writing, “Rest in peace, Adam. Prayers for his family and friends.” Another user expressed their sorrow, stating, “I can’t believe it. My deepest condolences and admiration for his family. An amazing human being and co-worker. Surely one more star that will shine in the sky. Rest in peace and fly high, Adam.”
A further tribute read:
“We are sorry for your loss. I join the pain of your family and friends because he was at the peak of his career and a true asset to our community. Rest in peace, Adam, for being a great reporter who covered many of our Chiefs games in Kansas City, MO. May your legacy continue to inspire us all.”
A fourth post poignantly stated, “I am deeply moved by the news of Adan Manzano’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at Telemundo Kansas City. May you find comfort in the memories and legacy Adam left in every story he told.”
Remembering a Passionate Storyteller
Adan’s colleagues remembered him not only for his professional excellence but also for the personal qualities that made him a beloved member of the team. His ability to connect with audiences, his meticulous attention to detail, and his infectious enthusiasm for sports set a high standard for those who followed in his footsteps. As many tributes attest, he was a gifted storyteller whose work enriched the local community and touched the hearts of viewers across the region.
The loss of Adan is being felt deeply across the broadcasting world. His dedication to his craft and his passion for sharing important sports stories made him a role model to many aspiring journalists. In an industry where integrity, perseverance, and authenticity are paramount, Adan’s contributions served as a shining example of what true professionalism looks like.
A Personal Tragedy within a Broader Loss
Compounding the tragedy of Adan’s passing is the heartbreaking loss of his partner, Ashleigh Boyd, who died in a car accident on April 11, 2024. Boyd, only 24 years old at the time of her death, was described as a loving partner and a devoted mother to their 15‑month‑old daughter, Eleanor. The sorrow of losing Ashleigh had already cast a long shadow over Adan’s life, and his recent death while covering a major sporting event underscores the profound toll that personal tragedy can take—even on those who seem to shine the brightest in their professional endeavors.
The legacy of Ashleigh Boyd continues to resonate with many who admired her strength and the love she showed to her family. Her untimely death was mourned by friends, family, and fans alike, and it is clear that her memory remains an integral part of Adan’s story. In the tributes shared online, several comments highlight the deep connections within the family and the impact that both Adan and Ashleigh had on the community.
An Ongoing Investigation
As the news of Adan Manzano’s death continues to reverberate throughout the media, authorities are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Telemundo Kansas City has stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation to uncover any details that may shed light on what happened during the Super Bowl assignment in New Orleans. While the specifics of the investigation have not yet been disclosed, there is a collective hope that justice will be served and that the memory of Adan’s exceptional career will be honored.
The Impact on Local Media
Adan’s passing comes at a time when local media is already grappling with numerous challenges, from budget cuts to the rapid pace of digital transformation. Yet, his work stood as a testament to the enduring value of local journalism—a reminder that local reporters do much more than cover sports scores or breaking news. They build communities, preserve local history, and provide a voice to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports have both expressed their commitment to honoring Adan’s legacy. In the wake of his death, the stations are looking into ways to celebrate his contributions—be it through dedicated segments, memorial broadcasts, or special tributes that highlight his most memorable stories. The outpouring of support from viewers and colleagues alike underscores the significant impact Adan had on the community, and it reaffirms the vital role that dedicated journalists play in connecting people.
A Legacy of Excellence and Compassion
For many, Adan Manzano was not just a reporter; he was a beacon of hope and integrity in a rapidly changing media landscape. His colleagues describe him as a compassionate storyteller whose enthusiasm for sports and commitment to his craft was matched only by his dedication to his family and his community. Despite the personal hardships he endured—losing his partner and the inherent challenges of working in a demanding field—Adan continued to approach his work with an optimism and professionalism that inspired those around him.
Tributes continue to emphasize how much he will be missed: his passion for the game, his friendly demeanor, and his unwavering professionalism have left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His legacy, though tragically short, serves as an inspiration to many who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Young reporters, in particular, have cited Adan as a role model, noting how his commitment to truth and excellence in journalism is something to emulate.
Final Reflections
In the days and weeks following the devastating news, the community has rallied together, sharing memories, expressing condolences, and promising to honor Adan Manzano’s memory in every way possible. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence—a story that, even in death, continues to inspire those who carry the torch of local journalism.
As we reflect on the remarkable life and career of Adan Manzano, we are reminded of the enduring power of the human spirit. Despite the pain of personal loss and the challenges that come with working in an ever-evolving industry, Adan’s legacy remains a testament to the impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of many.
His passing is a profound loss—not only to his family and loved ones but to the entire community that he so passionately served. The memories of his exceptional work and his kind, unyielding character will continue to live on, inspiring future generations of journalists to approach their craft with the same fervor and integrity that defined Adan Manzano’s career.
May his soul rest in peace, and may the legacy of his work continue to shine as a beacon for all those who believe in the power of truthful, compassionate journalism.
