The sports world is mourning the sudden loss of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City sports reporter who was in New Orleans covering Super Bowl LIX for Spanish-language media. At just 27 years old, Manzano passed away on February 5, 2025, leaving behind a grieving community and his young daughter.
His employers, KGKC Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports confirmed his passing, calling him an exceptional professional with a deep passion for sports. “We will deeply miss Adan, his dedication, and the impact he had on the local community,” the station said in a heartfelt statement.
Manzano was found in a hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office. Authorities have yet to release his official cause of death, but both Telemundo and Tico Sports have assured that they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
His passing is even more heartbreaking given that Adan was not just a rising star in sports media but also a devoted father. Tico Sports president CiCi Rojas described him as a loyal friend, a supportive colleague, and a loving dad whose absence will be deeply felt. Tragically, sources also report that Adan’s parents have passed away, leaving his daughter without both a father and grandparents.
Now, as his colleagues and friends mourn his passing, many are also reflecting on the personal heartbreak Adan endured before his own death.
His wife died less than a year ago, leaving him to navigate fatherhood alone. Here’s what we know about Adan Manzano’s wife and their daughter.
Who Was Adan Manzano?
Born in Mexico City, Manzano pursued his passion for sports journalism in the United States. After earning his degree from Kansas State University, the rising media personality quickly made a name for himself in the industry.
He became more popular after joining the Kansas City Chiefs Television Crew as a sideline reporter at the start of the last NFL season. His talent and dedication earned him a coveted role covering Super Bowl LIX, marking his third consecutive year reporting from the biggest stage in football.
Adan Manzano’s Wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, Was Killed in 2024
Before Manzano’s sudden passing, the journalist had already endured a heartbreaking loss. His wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, was killed in a car crash on April 11, 2024, leaving him to raise their young daughter alone.
According to a crash report obtained by 27 News, the accident occurred at 53rd and Indian Hills Road in Shawnee County, Kansas. Authorities reported that 52-year-old Todd W. Armstrong veered across the center line, causing a multi-vehicle collision that took the life of 24-year-old Boyd, who was behind the wheel that day.
Their one-year-old daughter, Eleanor Manzano-Aguilar, was also in the car but miraculously survived. Deputies confirmed that the baby was secured in her child safety seat, which likely saved her life.
Who Was Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd?
Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd was a dedicated teacher, a loving mother, and a woman deeply committed to her community.
Born on March 7, 2000, in Flowood, Mississippi, Ashleigh was raised by her parents Nicole and Brian Hinck, as well as Cherokee and Nicole Boyd. She graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 2018 before continuing her education at Kansas State University and later earning her degree from Emporia State University.
She found her true calling in education, working as a second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School. She was also an active member of the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY).
Adan Manzano’s Daughter, Eleanor
At just two years old, Eleanor Manzano-Aguilar has already faced an unimaginable tragedy—losing both of her parents within a year. First, her mother, and now, her father Adan.
To make matters even more heartbreaking, sources say that Adan’s parents are also deceased, leaving Eleanor without her immediate family for support. It’s a devastating reality for a child so young.
