Diego Maradona experienced severe pain in the hours leading up to his death, according to testimony in a court trial. The legendary footballer, who won the World Cup in 1986, passed away from a cardiac arrest at age 60 in November 2020 at his home near Buenos Aires.
Seven healthcare professionals are currently on trial for manslaughter. They have been accused of not providing Maradona with the proper medical care he needed. Among those on trial are his personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who prescribed medication to him.
During the trial, a forensic expert revealed that Maradona suffered for at least 12 hours before his death. Carlos Cassinelli, who conducted the post-mortem examination, stated that any doctor should have recognized the symptoms Maradona displayed days prior. He described the condition of Maradona’s heart, noting it was covered in fat and blood clots, indicating a state of distress.
Cassinelli explained that Maradona had been accumulating fluid in his body over several days, which was a sign of a serious health issue. He emphasized that this situation was foreseeable and that any medical professional examining him would have identified the warning signs.
The autopsy concluded that Maradona died from acute pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure. If the accused are found guilty, they could face up to 25 years in prison. The trial is expected to last up to four months, with multiple hearings scheduled each week.
In addition to Luque and Cosachov, other defendants include psychologist Carlos Diaz, nurse Nancy Forlini, and several medical staff members involved in Maradona’s care. Gisela Madrid, another nurse charged in the case, will face a jury later this year.
As the trial unfolds, it has drawn significant public attention, reflecting the deep affection many have for Maradona, both as a sports icon and a cultural figure in Argentina.