- Autopsy expert Carlos Cassinelli testified that Diego Maradona experienced at least 12 hours of agony before his death in November 2020.
- Cassinelli stated Maradona’s heart was covered in fat and blood clots, indicating a prolonged period of suffering.
- The expert believes “any doctor” should have noticed Maradona’s deteriorating condition, including fluid buildup, days before his death.
- Seven healthcare professionals are on trial for alleged medical negligence that prosecutors claim led to Maradona’s death.
- The trial includes accusations of “homicide with possible intent,” with potential prison sentences of up to 25 years for the accused.
Maradona’s Last Agony: Shocking Autopsy Details Emerge in Manslaughter Trial
The world mourned the loss of football legend Diego Maradona in November 2020, but the circumstances surrounding his death continue to be a source of intense scrutiny. In a dramatic turn of events at the ongoing trial of seven healthcare professionals, a forensic expert has revealed harrowing details from Maradona’s autopsy, suggesting the icon endured at least 12 hours of agony in his final moments. This revelation has ignited further debate about the adequacy of the medical care he received during his home hospitalization.
What Did the Autopsy Reveal About Maradona’s Death?
Carlos Cassinelli, the director of Forensic Medicine at the Scientific Police Superintendency, who was directly involved in performing Maradona’s autopsy, delivered a powerful testimony on Thursday. He disclosed that the autopsy findings painted a grim picture of the football star’s final hours. “The heart was completely covered in fat and blood clots, which indicate agony,” Cassinelli told the court in Buenos Aires. This detail suggests Maradona suffered significantly before succumbing to what was officially ruled as acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure.
Could Maradona’s Suffering Have Been Prevented?
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Cassinelli asserted that Maradona’s deteriorating health was not sudden and should have been apparent to his medical team. “This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute. This was something that was foreseeable,” he stated emphatically. “Any doctor examining a patient would find this.” This testimony directly challenges the care provided by the seven accused professionals – a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, doctors, and nurses – who were responsible for Maradona’s well-being during his convalescence at a residence in Tigre, Buenos Aires.
Why Are Maradona’s Healthcare Team Facing Homicide Charges?
The prosecution in this highly publicized trial alleges that the accused healthcare professionals failed in their duty to provide adequate medical care to Maradona, ultimately leading to his death. The charges they face include “homicide with possible intent,” implying they pursued a course of action knowing it could result in their patient’s demise. If found guilty, they could face severe penalties, with potential prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. The trial is expected to continue for several months, with nearly 120 witnesses slated to testify, promising further revelations about the final chapter of Diego Maradona’s life.