New Orleans was alive with energy, the streets filled with Super Bowl anticipation. Fans from across the country flooded into the city, draped in red and gold or green and black, ready to witness history. But amid the celebrations, a chilling reality cut through the revelry. What was supposed to be the biggest week in football turned into a moment of sorrow for Kansas City.

Adan Manzano, a passionate sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, who had spent years covering the game he loved, never made it home. At just 27, with a promising career ahead of him, he was found dead in a New Orleans hotel—far from the press box he should have been standing in on Super Bowl Sunday. For the Kansas City sports community, it was an unimaginable loss. For those who knew him, it was heartbreak layered upon heartbreak. Just a year ago, he lost his wife in a tragic accident. Now, their two-year-old daughter is left without both parents.

As the city prepared for its biggest spectacle, Kansas City paused to mourn one of its own. Adan had been working at Telemundo for 3 years and had recently started anchoring besides reporting. On Wednesday, January 5th, police officials found him dead at Kenner’s Comfort Inn & Suites New Orleans Airport North. Steve Downing, the station’s GM, praised the reporter claiming he had a passion for sports. He also lauded his cheerful attitude even during difficulties. He even called the deceased reporter family, saying, “We’re a small operation. So we will be missing a family member.”

On Friday, new details emerged about the case as Kansas City grieved. A woman was held under suspicion of having a hand in the death of Adan Manzano.

For the family, it’s crushing news. A Mexico City native, his wife also passed away in a car accident in Topeka, Kansas, last April. The couple leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter. It made everyone a lot more emotional. The city was shocked and grief-stricken. Heartbroken fans paid their respect to the reporter on social media.

Kansas City fans pray for the deceased reporter

The entire city is looking ahead to a good time. But the news of a death shocked everyone and put a pin in that mood. That too of a young man. One person just wrote a 4-word message to sum up his feelings, “Omg that’s terrible. RIP.” While another person had a suspicion about what happened before his death. He wanted to know why he passed away at such a young age and mentioned, “So damn young That’s really sad. Can’t trust anybody. 😣 RIP 💚”

Kansas City fans were also sad over the death of both parents, leaving a young daughter behind. But one person floated a controversial theory. He said, “I’m going to guess suicide based on the whole wife dying a year ago.” Another fan just could not get over the thought of the young kid. He mentioned, “Condolences to their families 💔 poor mamas no child should ever have to go through this.” The messages kept coming in. They were all of people sharing their devastation after hearing the bad news. One fan replied, “This is terrible news. Rest in Paradise.” It’s truly sad.

The preparations are on in full swing for the big game, with the city ready to welcome the POTUS Donald Trump. RIP Adan Manzano.