News Summary
Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo sports reporter, was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, just days before the Super Bowl. Preliminary toxicology reports indicated the presence of benzodiazepine in his system. Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman, has been arrested in connection with his death and faces multiple felony charges. This tragedy sends shockwaves through the community, leaving Manzano’s family and colleagues devastated.
Tragic Death of Telemundo Reporter Shakes New Orleans During Super Bowl Week
New Orleans is filled with excitement and festivities as the Super Bowl approaches, but the city is now grappling with a shocking tragedy. Adan Manzano, a vibrant 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo, was discovered dead in his hotel room in nearby Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5, 2025. As the news ripples through the community, questions surrounding the circumstances of his untimely passing continue to arise.
Details of the Incident
Manzano was in town to cover the much-anticipated Super Bowl events when disaster struck. The preliminary toxicology report revealed a startling find: benzodiazepine, a potent depressant often employed to facilitate theft, was identified in his system. Alarmingly, this drug was not prescribed to him, raising red flags about the circumstances leading to his death.
Benzodiazepines can induce feelings of relaxation and calm but may also lead to severe consequences, including respiratory issues, coma, or even death. It appears that Manzano was an unfortunate victim of a crime that goes beyond mere misfortune.
Arrest Made in Connection with Manzano’s Death
In connection with this heart-wrenching case, authorities have arrested Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman who is now facing several serious felony charges, including theft, fraud, purse snatching, and robbery. Security footage reveals that Colbert was seen entering Manzano’s hotel room with him at approximately 4:30 a.m. on the night of his death, only to leave shortly thereafter. The situation reflects a troubling pattern of behavior.
After Manzano’s death, Colbert allegedly took advantage of the tragic circumstances by using his credit cards at gas stations and various stores. Investigators uncovered a stockpile of drugs, including alprazolam, at Colbert’s residence when they executed a search warrant, further linking her to the alleged crime.
A Criminal Past
Colbert’s criminal history raises concerns for law enforcement officials. Notably, she has previously faced charges and arrests in Las Vegas for similar offenses, emphasizing a troubling pattern of drugging men and stealing from them. While she had faced a Louisiana jury last year for theft and fraud in an unrelated case, those charges were dropped when victims failed to testify, leaving her free to engage in harmful acts once again.
The Kenner Police Chief has publicly stated that Colbert appears to have a troubling habit of gaining men’s trust before incapacitating them to commit theft. Authorities are now contemplating the possibility that she may be connected to yet another man’s death under similar circumstances, which would raise even more alarming questions about her activities.
A Family Left Heartbroken
Amid these shocking revelations, it is important to remember the person at the center of this tragedy—the talented and promising Adan Manzano. His death not only sends shockwaves through the world of sports journalism but also leaves a two-year-old daughter without her father. Friends, family, and colleagues have expressed their disbelief, mourning the loss of a vibrant individual whose life was abruptly cut short.
As New Orleans basks in Super Bowl celebrations, the community is also forced to confront the dark reality of this case. The ongoing investigation highlights the crucial need for awareness about the dangers surrounding drugging and theft, as well as the vulnerability that many can face in moments of trust.
This story serves as a grim reminder that sometimes, behind the excitement of an event lies a darker narrative that cannot be ignored.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
