K.C. Reporter Found Dead in Hotel Room Before Super Bowl Had Xanax in His System: Police

Sports Reporter Found Deceased in Hotel Room Ahead of Super Bowl, Xanax Detected in System: Authorities

A sports reporter, Adan Manzano, was tragically discovered deceased in his Louisiana hotel room mere days before the Super Bowl event, with Xanax present in his system at the time of his passing. Det. Jeffrey Fitzmorris from the Kenner, La., police force disclosed this detail during a hearing for Danette Colbert, who faces charges of fraud and financial offences. Manzano, employed by Telemundo Kansas City, was uncovered in his Kenner hotel room on Wednesday, Feb. 3, having travelled to the city to cover Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Following his demise, Colbert, accused of using Manzano’s credit cards, was promptly apprehended by authorities. Charged with fraud and financial crimes, she is currently being held without bond.

According to Detective Fitzmorris, Manzano had not been prescribed Xanax before his demise, leaving uncertainties surrounding how and when he consumed the substance. Kenner police Chief Keith Conley revealed during a press briefing that upon the discovery of Manzano’s body, his credit card and mobile phone were absent. Surveillance footage illustrated Manzano entering his hotel room with Colbert around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, after which she was seen exiting the premises by herself later that morning. Following a search of Colbert’s residence, law enforcement purportedly unearthed Manzano’s phone and credit card, leading to her arrest in New Orleans.

Danette Colbert was already under scrutiny by authorities due to previous drugging and theft accusations from various men across several jurisdictions. She is reputed for her involvement in fraudulent activities and has had prior encounters with the law. Notably, two men accused her of similar offences in separate incidents in Las Vegas during 2022, although charges were dismissed in both instances. Colleagues remembered Manzano, a dedicated sports reporter and a father to a toddler, as an exemplary professional whose commitment and talent shone through his work. Telemundo KC expressed deep sorrow over his passing, acknowledging his valuable contributions to the local community.

Tragically, Adan Manzano’s wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, lost her life in a car accident the year before, leaving behind their young child. The circumstances surrounding Manzano’s untimely passing have left both his colleagues and the public in shock. The ongoing investigations into the events leading up to his demise and the subsequent arrest of Danette Colbert have raised questions about the potential risks faced by journalists and media personnel in the course of their work. The untimely loss of a talented individual like Adan Manzano serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers that professionals in the industry may encounter.

The media industry’s focus is now on seeking justice for Adan Manzano and understanding the sequence of events that led to his tragic end. The sports community mourns the loss of a passionate and dedicated reporter, while law enforcement works tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding his passing and bring closure to his family and loved ones. The impact of this incident reverberates throughout the journalistic community, underlining the importance of safety and security measures for reporters as they carry out their duties in often unpredictable and high-pressure environments.