A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the death of Telemundo Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano, local authorities have confirmed.
Law enforcement officers in Kenner, Louisiana, arrested Danette Colbert on Friday, February 7, as reported by the local Fox affiliate. Colbert was allegedly found using Manzano’s credit card at several stores in the New Orleans area.
Colbert has been booked on charges related to property crimes, including fraud and theft. At this time, it remains unclear if she had any direct involvement in the circumstances leading to Manzano’s death. The 27-year-old Kansas City-based reporter’s cause of death has yet to be determined.
Manzano had traveled to New Orleans to cover the 2025 Super Bowl on behalf of Telemundo Kansas City, where he had been working since 2021.
Local Kansas City Reporter Adan Manzano Dies at 27 While Covering the 2025 Super Bowl
“We are deeply saddened to share that Adan Manzano, reporter and sports anchor for Telemundo Kansas City, passed away yesterday in New Orleans while on assignment covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports,” read a translated statement shared on the outlet’s Facebook page on Thursday, February 6.
“We are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate this heartbreaking event. Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent exemplified excellence in his work.”
The statement continued, “We will greatly miss Adan, his passion for sports, and his invaluable contributions to the local community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Arrest Over Reporter Adan Manzano’s Death
In the days leading up to his passing, Manzano had been actively sharing his Super Bowl experience on social media.
“We’ve arrived in New Orleans to kick off our Super Bowl LIX coverage!,” he wrote in a joint Instagram post with Telemundo Kansas City on Sunday, February 2. “We are ready to bring you all the excitement, interviews, reactions, and more, so you don’t miss the best of this great event, by Telemundo Kansas City, channel 39. And channel 36 in Columbia and Jefferson City.”
On the following day, he attended the opening ceremonies.
“‘Opening Night’ officially kicks off Super Bowl LIX week!,” he posted on Instagram on Monday, February 3. “The teams, the excitement, and all the stories surrounding this big event as the Chiefs’ quest for the coveted tri-championship starts here. Don’t miss any details of this great event by Telemundo Kansas City!”
Manzano had previously covered the 2023 and 2024 Super Bowls for the Telemundo affiliate, both of which resulted in victories for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“After quite an eventful two weeks, we can finally conclude the 2023 season,” Manzano shared on Instagram in February 2024.
“Not with the happy ending expected, but grateful to cover for the third season the Chiefs, a ‘Back to Back’ to the Superbowl [sic] and, by the way, first see my #FinsUp. Thank God, to my bosses for trusting this reporter on the court, and, as always, to my family and friends.”
Super Bowl LIX is set to take place at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Sunday, February 9, featuring a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
