A sports reporter was discovered unresponsive in his Louisiana hotel room Wednesday, and the last person seen with him was caught using his credit cards at multiple stores in New Orleans.
Investigators say security footage shows a woman entering Adan Manzano's hotel room with him that morning, but leaving alone later that day. Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports, was in town covering the Super Bowl.
Danette Colbert was later caught using Manzano's credit cards at multiple stores in New Orleans and identified as the woman last seen with him at the hotel, according to the Kenner Police Department. She has been charged with fraud and theft-related offenses, though police say the investigation is ongoing. Colbert has a history of financial crimes, including allegations of drugging men, theft, and fraudulent card use, authorities said.
Police have not yet determined Manzano's cause of death, stating that no obvious signs of trauma were found, and further testing is pending.
Manzano, a Mexico City native and Kansas State University graduate, was a rising sports media star, having recently joined the Kansas City Chiefs' television crew as a sideline reporter. His sudden passing is the latest tragedy for his family—his wife was killed in a car crash last year, leaving behind their young daughter, Eleanor.
Manzano's employer, Telemundo Kansas City, released a statement mourning his loss:
"Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community."
As authorities continue investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding Manzano's death, Colbert remains in custody on financial crime charges.
Originally published on Latin Times
