The results of Diego Armando Maradona's autopsy were made public for the first time during the trial of seven doctors and nurses accused of negligence in his care before his death in 2020. Testimonies revealed that the legendary Argentine footballer endured up to twelve hours of agony before passing away, with fluids accumulating in his abdomen and lungs.
According to forensic experts who performed the autopsy, the cause of death was determined to be acute pulmonary edema, accompanied by heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. Notably, forensic expert Carlos Mauricio Cassinelli testified that Maradona's heart weighed twice the normal amount, indicating significant health issues prior to his death.
"The heart of Maradona weighed double the normal weight," Cassinelli stated during the trial, emphasizing that the former football star's death was neither sudden nor unexpected. He also noted that a total of 4.5 liters of water had accumulated in Maradona's organs, and this water retention had begun several days before his death.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of sixty in a private residential complex north of Buenos Aires. His health had been severely compromised following brain surgery just weeks prior. In the courtroom, Cassinelli further explained that the water retention indicated a prolonged period of suffering, stating, "This is a patient who had accumulated water for days; it does not form in a day or an hour. It formed over several days."
The trial, which is expected to continue until mid-July, has seen the prosecution accuse Maradona's personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, and his psychiatrist, Agustina Cosachov, along with a psychologist, another doctor, the medical coordinator of the health insurance company, and two nurses of manslaughter. If convicted, they face prison sentences of up to twenty-five years. The trial has already been delayed twice due to unresolved legal issues, and a total of 192 witnesses have been summoned to testify.
As the trial unfolds, shocking details about Maradona's final hours are emerging. The courtroom has witnessed the presentation of graphic evidence, including images of cerebral blood clots, described by Cassinelli as "a sign of agony." He revealed that Maradona's heart weighed 503 grams, more than a standard football, and was covered in fat and blood clots, indicating severe distress.
Meanwhile, Dalma Maradona, the late footballer's daughter, has voiced her concerns about the circumstances surrounding her father's death. In a recent interview, she expressed fear of the mafia and those who control everything, stating, "I know who I am dealing with, but I cannot remain silent. We need people to know the truth. My mother always tells me to stay quiet and not say anything, but I can't do that. I owe it to him."
Dalma's comments reflect the ongoing tension and fear that surrounds the investigation. She described how Maradona was discharged from the hospital after his brain surgery and subsequently endured a form of home hospitalization. "It didn't seem like the right place; he was in a dark room with a bed in the center," she recalled, shedding light on the conditions her father faced during his recovery.
The trial continues to reveal troubling insights into the healthcare provided to one of football's greatest icons. Investigators have alleged that serious errors were made in the home care of Maradona, whose health had been deteriorating for some time before his death. The public is left grappling with the implications of these revelations, as fans and family alike seek justice for the beloved athlete.
As the legal proceedings progress, the courtroom drama surrounding Maradona's death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even for a sports legend who once seemed invincible. The ongoing trial not only seeks to uncover the truth behind his tragic passing but also highlights the broader issues of medical negligence and accountability in the healthcare system.
In the coming weeks, as more witnesses take the stand, the world will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds. The legacy of Diego Armando Maradona, both as a footballer and as a person, hangs in the balance as the trial seeks to bring clarity and closure to a story that has captivated millions.
