A chilling revelation has emerged in the trial surrounding the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona. A forensic expert who conducted his autopsy testified in a Buenos Aires court that Maradona endured “agony” for at least 12 hours before his passing. The shocking details, revealed for the first time on Thursday, have ignited fresh controversy over the circumstances leading to the football legend’s tragic demise in 2020.
The trial, which began on Tuesday, has seven medical professionals—including doctors, nurses, a psychiatrist, and a neurosurgeon—facing charges of “homicide with possible intent.” Prosecutors allege that the medical staff responsible for Maradona’s post-surgery care neglected him, directly contributing to his death. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Carlos Cassinelli, director of forensic medicine at the Scientific Police Superintendency, testified that Maradona’s autopsy revealed his heart was “fully covered with fat and blood clots, showing clear signs of distress.” The report confirmed that the 1986 World Cup champion died from acute pulmonary edema caused by congestive heart failure. Cassinelli further emphasized that Maradona should never have been left under home care in his critical condition. “This was not a sudden event. His condition had been deteriorating for days, and any doctor would have noticed,” he told the court.
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Witnesses claim Maradona’s face and stomach appeared abnormally swollen before his death. Among the accused are his longtime personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who prescribed his medications. Investigators believe grave errors were made in his home care following his brain surgery, ultimately sealing his fate.
Maradona, one of football’s greatest legends, died at the age of 60 in a private residence north of Buenos Aires, just weeks after undergoing surgery. The trial, expected to last until July, will see testimony from nearly 120 witnesses as the world watches to uncover the truth behind the untimely death of the footballing icon.
