NEW ORLEANS, Louis. (Diya TV) — Adan Manzano, 27, a sports anchor and reporter for KGKC Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, was discovered dead in his hotel room on February 5 during his work assignment for covering Super Bowl LIX.
Danette Colbert, 48, of Slidell, Louisiana, has been arrested by authorities about Manzano’s death. A surveillance video from the Comfort Suites in Kenner, just outside New Orleans, revealed Colbert entering Manzano’s hotel room with him on February 5 in the morning and exiting alone shortly thereafter. Manzano was found unresponsive about 12 hours later.
After her arrest, police found Manzano’s missing credit card and cell phone in Colbert’s apartment. She was charged with crimes related to property, such as fraud and offenses of theft. Colbert has a record of convictions related to crimes like drugging victims and robbery.
An autopsy showed that Manzano had a benzodiazepine, a tranquilizer, in his system—a drug for which he had no prescription. The same drug was found at Colbert’s residence by authorities. Investigators believe Colbert might have drugged Manzano to make it easier to rob him, as she has been accused of doing the same thing before.
Manzano’s death is especially sad, as his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, died in a car accident in April 2024. The couple is survived by their young daughter, Eleanor.
KGKC Telemundo Kansas City posted deep sadness about Manzano’s death, adding, “As KGKC’s Sports Anchor & Reporter, Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who represented excellence in his work.” The station also commented that it is working with authorities in the investigation.
Colbert is held without bail pending further investigation. The authorities are waiting for more toxicology tests to be conducted to ascertain the cause of Manzano’s death, which will result in further charges.
