February 5, 2025, New Orleans, LA — The death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter from Kansas City, has stunned the journalism community and ignited a complex investigation into the circumstances of his untimely passing. Known for his passion and dedication as a reporter for Telemundo, Manzano had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Kansas City Chiefs’ appearance in the Super Bowl. Tragically, his trip ended in disaster when he was found dead in his hotel room on the morning of February 5. Authorities have revealed that his death was caused by positional asphyxiation, complicated by the toxic effects of alcohol and Xanax. As the investigation deepens, a dark and disturbing connection emerges, leading to the arrest of Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old Louisiana woman, on charges of second-degree murder, theft, and fraud.
This heartbreaking incident has left a gaping hole in the hearts of Manzano’s family, friends, and colleagues, and has exposed a pattern of criminal behavior involving Colbert, who has a history of fraud and theft. Here is a detailed look at the tragic events surrounding Adan Manzano’s death and the investigation that is slowly unraveling the truth behind the circumstances.
The Tragic Discovery of Adan Manzano’s Body
On the morning of February 5, the lifeless body of Adan Manzano was discovered in his hotel room in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, after he was reported missing by friends and colleagues. Manzano had been last seen entering his room the previous evening, in the company of Danette Colbert. Later that day, authorities found him face down in a pillow, unresponsive.
The initial response came from local authorities, who arrived at the scene and confirmed his death. The Jefferson Parish Coroner, Gerald Cvitanovich, conducted an autopsy and determined that positional asphyxia was the official cause of death. This condition, caused by the body being in a position that restricts breathing, was compounded by the toxic effects of alprazolam (Xanax) and ethanol (alcohol). Manzano’s blood alcohol level was found to be three times the legal limit, and the presence of Xanax in his system created a dangerous and lethal combination.
The discovery was a shock to everyone who knew Manzano. Known for his infectious personality, dedication to his job, and passion for sports reporting, his death left an indelible mark on the Kansas City community and the broader world of journalism. Manzano’s colleagues and friends are now left grappling with the loss of someone who was seen as a rising star in the world of sports reporting.
Danette Colbert’s Arrest: Unraveling the Connection
The woman last seen with Adan Manzano, Danette Colbert, was arrested two days after the discovery of Manzano’s body on February 7, 2025. Colbert, a 48-year-old Louisiana woman, is now facing charges including second-degree murder, theft, fraud, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. Her arrest has shocked both local law enforcement and the community, especially given her apparent connections to multiple previous criminal incidents.
According to investigators, Colbert was seen leaving the hotel with Manzano the night before his death, and there are several key pieces of evidence linking her to the crime. The arrest affidavit reveals that Colbert used Manzano’s credit card at a local store following his death, and later stole his cellphone, which was found in her possession. Additionally, Colbert was allegedly seen using the stolen credit card at several locations in New Orleans in the days following Manzano’s death.
Colbert’s criminal history includes a series of fraud and theft charges in both Louisiana and Nevada, raising concerns about a pattern of predatory behavior. The more authorities dig into her past, the more they uncover about Colbert’s modus operandi. Authorities have described her as a “predator” who deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
This investigation has led to an outpouring of support from victims of Colbert’s schemes, some of whom have come forward to share their stories. One man reported losing $80,000 from his cryptocurrency account after allegedly being drugged by Colbert at a French Quarter bar. Her previous convictions and the leniency of her past sentences have sparked public outrage, leading many to call for stricter accountability.
The Role of Ricky White: Unraveling More Connections
In connection with Colbert’s alleged activities, authorities also arrested Ricky White, a transient man, in relation to Manzano’s death. White, like Colbert, faces charges of robbery, illegal transmission of monetary funds, computer fraud, and bank fraud. While investigators have not yet confirmed White’s exact role in Manzano’s death, they believe he may have been involved in the broader criminal activities associated with Colbert.
White’s arrest adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. His connection to Colbert suggests a possible network of individuals working together in a coordinated effort to exploit vulnerable individuals. The relationship between Colbert and White is still being explored, and further investigations may reveal additional details about their involvement in other crimes.
A Broader Pattern of Alleged Crimes
The investigation into Adan Manzano’s death has revealed a disturbing pattern of alleged crimes that could stretch far beyond the tragic incident. Colbert, in particular, appears to have been involved in a number of criminal activities targeting vulnerable individuals in New Orleans. Authorities are now examining her potential role in the December 15 death of John Jenkins, a 55-year-old man found unresponsive in a New Orleans hotel. Jenkins’ death was originally ruled as accidental due to cocaine and ethanol toxicity, but investigators now suspect that Colbert may have been involved in his death as well.
The discovery of these additional alleged crimes raises serious questions about Colbert’s actions in the months and years leading up to Manzano’s death. Authorities are conducting further investigations into her activities, and more charges could be forthcoming as they continue to unravel her past. Colbert’s involvement in multiple crimes points to a concerning pattern of exploitation and criminal behavior that may have affected many people over the years.
Remembering Adan Manzano: A Life Cut Short
The death of Adan Manzano has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. Known for his dedication to his work and his vibrant personality, Manzano was a rising star in the world of sports journalism. As a reporter for Telemundo, Manzano was passionate about his job and brought energy and excitement to every story he covered. His bright future was tragically cut short by the events of February 5, and his death has left many mourning the loss of someone who was just beginning to make his mark on the industry.
Manzano’s colleagues have described him as a hardworking and passionate journalist who was deeply committed to his craft. His infectious enthusiasm for sports reporting, combined with his warm and engaging personality, made him a beloved figure in the newsroom. The Kansas City community, in particular, has expressed its grief over the loss of a young man who had so much potential and who touched the lives of everyone he worked with.
In addition to his work, Manzano was known for his love of life and his deep connection to his family. Friends and family remember him as someone who always made time for those he loved, and who brought joy and laughter to those around him. His untimely death has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on through the stories he told and the people he touched.
Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on seeking justice for Adan Manzano and raising awareness about the risks of substance misuse and exploitation. The tragic events surrounding Manzano’s death serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predatory individuals who prey on vulnerable people for financial gain. The involvement of Colbert, a known offender with a history of fraud and theft, underscores the importance of community vigilance and awareness.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity, particularly in environments where alcohol and drugs may be present. The investigation into Colbert’s actions and the broader network of individuals involved in these crimes is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The death of Adan Manzano is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of justice and accountability in the face of tragedy. His death has left a significant impact on the Kansas City community and the broader world of sports journalism. As the investigation into his death continues to unfold, the focus remains on bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring that no more individuals fall victim to predatory behavior like that of Danette Colbert.
Manzano’s memory will live on through the stories he told, the people he touched, and the lives he impacted. As more details emerge, the hope is that justice will be served, and that the awareness raised by this tragic event will help prevent future crimes from happening.
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