Argentine prosecutors have criticized the medical team of the late football icon Diego Maradona, labeling them as “amateurs” who missed a crucial opportunity to save his life. Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers, passed away in November 2020 at 60 years old while recuperating from brain surgery. The seven-member medical team is facing accusations of gross negligence that allegedly led to his demise during his home recovery.
The initial trial was abruptly halted last year due to a judge’s involvement in a covert documentary related to the case. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari lambasted the defendants as the new trial commenced, accusing them of neglect and creating harsh conditions for Maradona. Ferrari pointed out that Maradona’s decline began hours before his actual death and suggested that a timely transfer to a medical facility could have saved him.
Maradona’s cause of death was determined to be heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, following his surgical procedure. The legendary former Boca Juniors and Napoli player, who guided Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, had a well-documented history of substance abuse. Maradona’s daughters, Dalma, Gianinna, and Jana, along with his ex-partner Veronica Ojeda, attended the court proceedings, expressing their desire for justice to be served.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, advocating for justice for the revered figure, referred to as “D10s” in homage to Maradona’s iconic number 10 jersey. The ongoing trial, anticipated to continue until July, is set to include testimonies from approximately 120 witnesses. The defendants, comprising doctors, psychologists, and nurses, are facing charges of potential intentional homicide for their alleged actions that contributed to Maradona’s death.
The defense maintains that Maradona’s demise was a result of natural causes stemming from his declining health. The loss of Maradona, a figure celebrated for his exceptional talent and charm, left Argentina in mourning amid the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. A multitude of individuals paid their respects to Maradona as his body laid in state at the presidential palace.
