In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a significant trial is commencing, involving seven healthcare professionals charged with homicide concerning the death of iconic soccer player Diego Maradona. The world-renowned athlete passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, a tragic event that sparked immense sorrow both in his homeland and globally.
Maradona succumbed to a heart attack at his rented residence in Tigre, a posh neighborhood north of Buenos Aires. He was recuperating there after undergoing surgery to remove a brain clot just weeks earlier. Considered one of soccer’s greatest-ever players, Maradona remarkably led Argentina to their 1986 World Cup triumph and became a symbol of hope and inspiration, rising from the impoverished parts of Buenos Aires to attaining international adoration.
Despite his legendary status, Maradona fought personal battles with drug addiction and alcoholism, nearly dying in both 2000 and 2004. Prosecutors, however, argue that his demise could potentially have been averted but for the alleged negligence of his medical team.
The medical practitioners facing charges include Maradona’s brain surgeon, a psychiatrist, and several nurses, all accused of culpable homicide, akin to involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment. They continue to deny any misconduct, and a three-judge panel is to deliberate on the accusations in San Isidro, a suburb close to Buenos Aires.
Among those on trial is neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who served as Maradona’s personal doctor and performed the critical brain surgery on November 3, 2020. Questions arose over Maradona’s swift discharge from the hospital, with experts suggesting he should have remained under hospital care longer post-surgery. Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov provided Maradona with medication prescriptions. Although toxicology reports found no illegal substances in his system, psychotropic drugs for anxiety and depression were present.
The rest of the defendants include Carlos Diaz, an addiction specialist; Nancy Forlini, a doctor managing Maradona’s home care; Mariano Perroni, a nursing coordinator; Ricardo Almirón, a nurse; and Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, a clinical physician. Another nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, requested a separate trial by jury at a later date.
The accusations emerged from an investigation by prosecutors that enlisted a medical board of various specialists to determine potential medical negligence. Their findings in a 2021 report criticized Maradona’s medical care team for acting “inappropriately, deficiently, and recklessly,” pointing out the lack of adherence to norms and protocols in home care settings.
The medical board also noted Maradona’s release from hospital was premature, given his need for continuous care and access to medical devices such as oxygen and a defibrillator. Failure to monitor his health properly supposedly led to a treatment described as flawed and irregular. Signs such as unusual body swelling, indicative of heart failure, were allegedly ignored, the board claimed.
The trial will involve the presentation of a vast array of evidence, including over 120,000 messages and audio records from discussions among the medical team. Despite these allegations, the defense maintains Maradona was a challenging patient, resistant to care. Luque emphasized that Maradona’s death occurred unexpectedly and that home-based treatment was Maradona’s choice.
Maradona spent his final days secluded due to heightened risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic, exacerbating his depression and anxiety. With ongoing health issues, Maradona turned to alcohol, one of his persistent vices. After Luque discovered a hematoma through tests, Maradona underwent emergency surgery but soon opted for outpatient care, refusing recommended clinic treatment.
The trial is anticipated to extend until July, with hearings held multiple times a week. Initial proceedings will include reading the indictment and hearing witness testimonies. Both sides will lay out their arguments over several months, with a verdict date to follow shortly thereafter, although the defendants are not expected to be detained during the trial process.
