What's happened
The trial of seven medical professionals involved in Diego Maradona's care continues, revealing autopsy results indicating he died from acute pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure. The prosecution claims negligence led to his death, with the accused facing serious charges. Testimonies highlight significant health issues prior to his death.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- The autopsy revealed Maradona's heart was enlarged and showed signs of severe health deterioration, indicating that his condition was critical prior to his death.
- Testimonies from forensic experts suggest that the medical professionals involved failed to recognize the severity of Maradona's health issues, which were foreseeable.
- The trial is significant not only for the legal implications for the accused but also for the broader discussion on medical negligence and accountability in healthcare.
- The outcome may influence public perception of medical practices in Argentina, particularly regarding celebrity healthcare.
- As nearly 120 witnesses are expected to testify, the trial could uncover systemic issues in the healthcare system that extend beyond Maradona's case.
What the papers say
According to AP News, forensic expert Alejandro Ezequiel Vega testified that Maradona's heart was 'enlarged' and showed signs of 'long-standing ischemia.' Al Jazeera reported that Carlos Cassinelli, director of forensic medicine, stated, 'This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute. This was something that was foreseeable.' The prosecution argues that the accused healthcare professionals, including Maradona's personal physician Leopoldo Luque, failed to provide adequate care, which may have led to his death. The trial is expected to run until July, with serious implications for the defendants, who face prison terms of up to 25 years.
How we got here
Diego Maradona, the Argentine football legend, died on November 25, 2020, following surgery for a hematoma. His death raised questions about the medical care he received at home, leading to a trial against seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence.
Go deeper
- What were the main findings of the autopsy?
- Who are the medical professionals on trial?
- What are the potential consequences for the defendants?
More on these topics
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Diego Armando Maradona is an Argentine football manager and retired professional footballer. He is currently the coach of Argentine Primera División club Gimnasia de La Plata. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.
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Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the
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Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the South American continent's southeastern coast.
