Diego Maradona, the legendary footballer, is at the center of a court case involving seven medical professionals accused of culpable homicide.
This tragic trial comes after Maradona’s agonizing death at 60 years old in 2020, following a heart attack.
The details that have emerged are chilling, with experts describing his final 12 hours as filled with excruciating pain and struggling to breathe.
The Gruesome Details of Maradona’s Final Hours
According to forensic expert Carlos Mauricio Casinelli, the images presented in court were shocking, revealing just how much Maradona suffered before his death.
The court heard that his heart had swelled to twice its normal size, and he had accumulated an alarming amount of fluid in his body, causing his organs to swell.
Casinelli revealed that his heart weighed 503 grams—more than a football—and was covered in fat and blood clots, which indicated he was in agony for days before his death.
The expert pointed out that such symptoms were not sudden but had developed gradually over time, suggesting that they should have been spotted by medical professionals long before Maradona’s death.
A Slow and Agonizing Decline
Maradona’s death wasn’t a sudden event, according to Dr. Federico Corasaniti, another forensic expert who testified in the case.
Corasaniti explained that Maradona’s condition had been worsening for days, with signs of edema—fluid accumulation in the body—becoming more and more severe.
He described how the difficulty Maradona had in breathing would have been so severe that it would have been audible to anyone nearby.
Maradona was recovering at home after surgery for a brain blood clot when he passed away, and his family has raised allegations of negligence, pointing to what they believe was an entirely avoidable death.
Maradona’s Family Claims Negligence and Cover-Up
Maradona’s family, particularly his daughter Dalma, has made serious claims against the medical team who were responsible for his care.
Dalma has accused the doctors and nurses of negligence and cover-up, even going so far as to call them a “mafia” that controlled everything related to her father’s care.
She has shared a video that allegedly reveals irregularities in her father’s treatment, which she believes ultimately led to his death.
Dalma claims that there are recordings proving a lack of medical attention and conversations about covering up the truth.
Medical Professionals Stand Trial for Culpable Homicide
Seven medical professionals are now facing trial for culpable homicide, which is comparable to involuntary manslaughter.
Among those standing trial are Maradona’s brain surgeon, psychiatrist, and several nurses.
These professionals deny the charges but could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The case has brought back painful memories for many, particularly in Argentina, where Maradona was a national hero.
His victory in the 1986 World Cup, especially his infamous “Hand of God” goal, remains one of the most iconic moments in football history.
A Life Filled with Triumph and Tragedy
While Maradona’s playing ability was unparalleled, his life off the pitch was marked by struggles with addiction, health issues, and scandal.
Known for his time with the mafia in Naples and his battle with alcohol and cocaine, Maradona’s tragic life was as infamous as his footballing brilliance.
Despite these challenges, he was still celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
His death was officially attributed to “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure,” but his family and many others believe his medical team’s negligence played a significant role in his passing.
The trial continues, and the world watches as the details of Maradona’s final hours unfold in court. The search for justice for the football legend is just beginning.