Diego Maradona, the famous Argentine footballer, passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. He died from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. At the time of his death, Maradona was recovering at home after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot.
Medical Team’s Role Under Scrutiny
In connection with Maradona’s death, a trial is currently taking place in Buenos Aires. Seven healthcare professionals are being accused of criminal negligence. These professionals were part of the team that cared for Maradona in his final days. Prosecutors have referred to the situation as a “horror theater” because of the alleged poor care he received at a private home in Tigre, a suburb of Buenos Aires.
The Challenge of Maradona’s Care
One of the key topics in the trial is whether allowing Maradona to recover at home, instead of in a medical facility, put his life at risk. Neurosurgeon Rodolfo Benvenuti, who supervised Maradona’s surgery, explained in court that Maradona was very difficult to treat. Benvenuti said that Maradona was defiant and hard to convince, even when it came to getting important medical tests.
Struggles in Maradona’s Treatment
Benvenuti mentioned that he had a hard time convincing Maradona to undergo a CT scan before the surgery. Despite the necessary tests, Maradona was eager to leave the clinic and insisted on home care instead of further hospitalization. The surgeon believed Maradona needed regular daily checkups, but the care team only scheduled weekly visits.
The Consequences of Inadequate Care
The court has heard that one of the weekly doctor’s visits never happened because Maradona refused to be seen by the doctor. Tragically, Maradona was found dead in his bed by a day nurse.
The Legal Consequences for the Medical Team
The medical team faces serious charges, including “homicide with possible intent.” If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years. The trial, which began on March 11, 2025, will continue until July 2025.
