Four years after the passing of football icon Diego Maradona, seven medical professionals responsible for his care are set to stand trial in Argentina, facing charges of criminal negligence.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, while recovering from brain surgery to remove a blood clot. The Argentine legend had long battled cocaine and alcohol addiction, and his sudden death plunged the nation into mourning, with thousands gathering to pay their final respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace.
The defendants—including a neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, medical coordinator, nursing coordinator, doctor, and night nurse—face potential sentences of eight to 25 years in prison if convicted of homicide with possible intent. Prosecutors argue they knowingly provided reckless and inadequate care, pushing for home treatment that left Maradona in a vulnerable state.
The trial, taking place in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro, is expected to last until July and will hear testimony from more than 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s family members and former medical personnel.
Diego Maradona was found dead in bed at a rented house two weeks after being discharged from the hospital. The night nurse claimed he had observed warning signs but had been instructed not to wake the footballer. An investigation revealed that Maradona died of a heart attack and that his residence lacked essential medical equipment, including a defibrillator.
A panel of medical experts concluded in 2021 that Maradona would have had a better chance of survival had he been provided proper care in a medical facility. His family contends that leaked messages suggest the medical team intentionally prevented his daughters from intervening to protect their financial interests.
The accused deny responsibility, with some arguing they were not in charge of Maradona’s physical health. Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov’s lawyer expressed confidence in an acquittal, stating that his client’s role was limited to Maradona’s mental well-being.
In Buenos Aires’ La Paternal neighborhood, where Maradona first made his mark playing for Argentinos Juniors, graffiti demanding “Justice for Diego!” has appeared on walls ahead of the trial. Locals and fans continue to demand accountability, with one supporter lamenting, “Maradona did not deserve to die alone.”
