Adan Manzano, a rising star in the sports reporting world, tragically passed away on Wednesday while covering the Chiefs at Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans. Manzano, 27, was a dedicated sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, and his sudden death has left the Kansas City community in shock. The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed, but the network has confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this heartbreaking event.
In a statement released Thursday, Steve Downing, general manager of KGKC, expressed his deep sorrow over Manzano’s passing, calling him “a true professional and a rising star” in the world of sports journalism. “Adan was a passionate reporter who exemplified excellence in his work,” Downing said. “We will deeply miss his enthusiasm for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.” He continued, offering heartfelt condolences to Manzano’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Manzano’s career was one of promise. He joined KGKC in April 2021 and had quickly made a name for himself in Kansas City sports media. A native of Mexico City, he had moved to Topeka, Kansas in 2018, where he pursued his degree at Kansas State University. It was clear to those who knew him that Manzano was a passionate individual who always strived to excel. “I used to dream about this but I never expected that it was going to come that soon,” Manzano had said before Super Bowl 2024, when he worked as a sideline reporter for the big game. “It’s just a blessing,” he added, reflecting on how his dreams were becoming a reality.
Manzano’s final social media posts captured his excitement about covering Super Bowl 2025 for the third time, as the Chiefs aimed for a historic three-peat. One of his posts showed a picture of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes surrounded by reporters, with the caption “Mahomes vs el Mundo,” translating to “Mahomes vs the world.” His enthusiasm and dedication to his craft were evident in every word.
In addition to his work as a sports reporter, Manzano’s personal life was marked by heartache. Just months after last year’s Super Bowl, his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, tragically passed away in a car crash. Boyd, a teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School in Topeka, was killed when a driver crossed the center line and struck their car. Their young daughter, just a year old at the time, survived the accident.
Manzano had often spoken about his commitment to his work, and how he had juggled multiple jobs to support his family. “There’s been times when he’s had two or three jobs to make ends meet,” Boyd had said in an interview before Super Bowl 2024. “Now knowing he gets to go out there and do what he loves and what he’s good at, it’s just the best feeling ever.” Those words are a testament to Manzano’s perseverance and dedication to both his family and his career.
Manzano’s untimely death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. His passing leaves a void in the sports media community and in the hearts of those who knew him. His passion for his craft and the love he had for his family will never be forgotten.
