Diego Maradona suffered agony before death, healthcare professionals on trial

In Argentina, a trial is underway involving seven healthcare professionals accused of failing to provide adequate care to Diego Maradona, one of football's most celebrated figures, who died on November 25, 2020. The trial began following an autopsy that revealed Maradona had suffered in agony for at least 12 hours prior to his death. Carlos Cassinelli, a forensic expert, indicated that Maradona's heart was severely compromised, covered in fat and blood clots, indicating that he had been accumulating fluid—a condition that should have been recognized by any treating physician days before. The autopsy concluded that Maradona's death resulted from acute pulmonary edema as a consequence of congestive heart failure, reflecting a long-term decline in health likely exacerbated by inadequate medical supervision during his convalescence. Among those on trial are Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's personal physician, and Agustina Cosachov, a psychiatrist who prescribed medication Maradona was taking until his death. The accused professionals include a neurosurgeon, a psychologist, and various nursing staff, all facing serious charges of manslaughter, which could lead to sentences of up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. There are concerns that systemic issues within the healthcare system contributed to lapses in Maradona's care, raising ethical questions about the responsibilities of medical professionals in monitoring patients with complex health needs, especially one as renowned as Maradona. A trial could drag on for several months, with a thorough examination of the evidence surrounding Maradona's care and the decisions made by the accused professionals leading up to his untimely death.