Abdelrahman
Tragic Death of Sports Reporter Adan Manzano in New Orleans
Adan Manzano, a dedicated sports journalist, was in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIX when he tragically passed away in his hotel room shortly before the game was set to begin. Local law enforcement is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his untimely death, with particular attention on a “career criminal” known for operating fraud schemes in the French Quarter.
The 27-year-old reporter, who had been with a Kansas City Telemundo station for approximately four years, had traveled to New Orleans to report on the highly anticipated event. His sudden death occurred mere days before the Kansas City Chiefs attempted to secure their place in history by winning a third consecutive Super Bowl. Unfortunately, Manzano never had the chance to share the game’s outcome, as he was found deceased in his hotel room located in Kenner, Louisiana.
Investigators are exploring the theory that Manzano may have been drugged prior to his death. Security footage revealed that he had been seen entering his hotel room with a woman, later identified as Danette Colbert, shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Reports indicate that Colbert left and returned to the hotel several times, however, Manzano did not exit the room at any point.
Colbert and Manzano had met earlier that day and were reportedly together in various locations around New Orleans, prompting further scrutiny from police. Upon discovering Manzano’s body, investigators reviewed video footage and noted that several personal items, including the credit card he used for check-in, were missing.
Colbert, aged 48, was arrested on Thursday night and charged with several property crimes, including theft and fraud. During a search of her residence in Slidell, Louisiana, authorities retrieved the missing credit card and Manzano’s cell phone, along with narcotics and a stolen firearm. Police highlighted that there is currently no evidence linking the weapon to Manzano’s death.
Telemundo expressed its condolences, describing Manzano as a dedicated professional and an emerging talent within sports journalism. “He was more than just an exceptional journalist; he was a loving father, a friend, and a remarkable individual,” they stated.
Manzano’s personal life was marked by tragedy, having lost his wife in a car accident the previous year. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, currently living with her grandparents in Topeka, Kansas.
Colbert has an extensive criminal record that includes allegations of drugging victims and committing financial crimes. She is awaiting trial on those charges, and although investigators have not currently charged her in connection with Manzano’s death, they are collaborating with forensic experts to determine if further charges are necessary.
As authorities continue their investigation, they are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results on Manzano, with findings expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, police have received reports from several individuals claiming to have experienced similar incidents or loss of life under suspicious circumstances related to Colbert.
“We will allow the evidence to guide us,” stated Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, emphasizing that while there are many questions, the focus remains on a thorough examination of the facts.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
