6:09 am - February 12, 2025
In a tragic turn of events, Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter from Kansas City, was found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans on the day he was set to cover Super Bowl LIX. Manzano, who worked for the local Telemundo station for nearly four years, had traveled to Louisiana to report on the big game. His lifeless body was discovered in his hotel room in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, before the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles. The incident has left his colleagues, family, and fans in shock, as investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Police have revealed that Manzano was last seen entering his hotel room with a woman identified as Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old with a history of fraud and theft. Security footage shows Colbert entering Manzano’s room at around 4:35 a.m. on the day of his death. She left briefly, returned, and then departed again at 6 a.m., after which Manzano was never seen alive again. Investigators have discovered that the credit card Manzano used to check into the hotel, along with his cell phone, were missing. Colbert was arrested days later in New Orleans and charged with property crimes, including fraud and theft. A search of her home uncovered the missing phone and credit card, as well as narcotics and a stolen firearm. However, police have clarified that the firearm does not appear to be related to Manzano’s death.
Colbert’s arrest has brought attention to her extensive criminal history, which includes allegations of drugging individuals to facilitate theft, credit card fraud, and other financial crimes. She has faced similar charges in multiple jurisdictions, including Louisiana and Nevada, where cases were previously dismissed. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley described Colbert as a “career criminal” with a “quite a record and rap sheet.” While Colbert has not been charged in connection with Manzano’s death, police are exploring the possibility that he may have been drugged before his death. Toxicology reports are pending, and investigators are working closely with forensic experts and the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of Manzano’s death. No drugs were found in his hotel room, but Colbert’s history of similar crimes has raised suspicions.
Manzano’s death has left a profound impact on his loved ones and the journalism community. He was remembered by Telemundo as “a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work.” The network also highlighted his personal qualities, stating, “Sports journalism has lost a great man. … More than an unrivaled journalist, he was a loving father, a friend, a brother, and a great human being.” Manzano’s wife had passed away in a car accident just last year, and he is survived by his 2-year-old daughter, who lives with his in-laws in Topeka, Kansas. A GoFundMe page has been set up by his family to help cover funeral expenses. The page describes Manzano as “a kind, loving, and hardworking person who touched the lives of many with his warmth and generosity… His passion for sports and storytelling connected people from Kansas City all the way to his home in Mexico.”
As the investigation continues, police have been contacted by multiple individuals claiming to be victims of similar crimes involving Colbert. While it is unclear whether these incidents are directly connected to her, the pattern of allegations has raised concerns about potential victims who may have been targeted in the past. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley has urged caution, emphasizing that such incidents highlight the risks of being alone in unfamiliar cities. “We’re going to let the evidence lead us to the end result and not speculate,” Conley said, as authorities work to determine whether additional charges against Colbert may be warranted.
The case of Adan Manzano serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of crime. While the exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation, his legacy as a dedicated journalist, loving father, and compassionate individual will endure. As the justice system works to uncover the truth, Manzano’s family and colleagues continue to mourn the loss of a man whose passion for storytelling and connection with others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. The case also underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness, particularly in public spaces, as authorities work to protect others from falling victim to similar crimes.