"There are no words capable of conveying the depth of this tragedy. The loss of this devoted father, beloved husband, and longtime civic leader is difficult to understand or accept. The hearts and prayers of our community are with Larry's family and friends as we all struggle to process this devastating news."

Manzanares began his 25-year legal career as an attorney with Davis Graham & Stubbs in 1982 and subsequently practiced with Roath & Brega P.C. from 1986 to 1989 and with Brega & Winters P.C. from 1989 to 1992 before being appointed a Denver County Court judge in 1992. He served in that capacity until 1998 when he was appointed to Denver District Court. He presided in the District Court's civil division until being sworn in as Denver City Attorney on January 4, 2007.

As a private attorney, Manzanares practiced in areas of corporate law, commercial litigation (including antitrust, securities, products liability, Lanham Act and employment litigation), professional malpractice, debtor/creditor rights and banking. As a judge, he presided over civil, criminal, domestic and restraining order cases. In June 2006, the Denver Bar Association recognized Manzanares with its Judicial Excellence Award.

Manzanares published articles and chapters in the areas of professional responsibility, civil procedure, and trial practice and was active in numerous professional associations, non-profit organizations, and educational activities. He taught numerous legal courses for law students as well as practicing attorneys in the areas of commercial transactions, domestic violence, trial practice, evidence, and legal ethics.

Manzanares served on the Colorado Supreme Court Appellate Rules Committee since 2003, as well as the boards of directors of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation, and Project PAVE (Promoting Alternatives to Violence through Education) among others. He was a past president of both LARASA (Latin American Research and Service Agency) and the Mi Casa Resource Center for Women. He also served on various advisory committees for Denver Public Schools, including the Citizens Budget Task Force, the School Facilities Review Committee and the Mill Levy Oversight Committee.

A native Coloradan and alumnus of Littleton's Arapahoe High School, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Denver with a bachelor's degree in psychology and received his law degree from Harvard University.

Out of respect for the family, the Mayor's office has no further comments at this time.