Seven healthcare professionals in Argentina have been on trial since mid-April 2026 for potential negligence linked to the death of football legend Diego Maradona [1, 2, 3]. Maradona died in 2020 from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, two weeks after undergoing surgery [1, 2, 3].
Forensic physician Carlos Cassinelli testified on August 11 that Maradona displayed clear warning signs before his death, including edema in the lower limbs, finger swelling, shortness of breath, hypertension, and an abnormally fast heart rate [1, 3]. Cassinelli said, "Nobody went to see what that swelling was about," emphasizing the lack of medical response to these life-threatening symptoms [1].
He added, "We believe these warning signs were not taken into account by the doctors because their approach did not change," and described Maradona's condition as progressively deteriorating with no intervention, concluding that "a warning could have been issued" [1].
Maradona’s home hospitalisation was considered a mistake, as doctors failed to adjust their treatment despite evident warning signs [1, 3]. The football star endured approximately 12 hours of severe agony before he died [1, 3].
The accused healthcare workers deny wrongdoing, attributing Maradona's death to natural causes linked to his history of cocaine and alcohol addiction [1, 3].
The trial involves seven defendants and could extend beyond August 2026 [1, 3]. The court continues to examine the medical decisions leading up to Maradona's death to determine if negligence was a factor.
