Maradona court told of breathing problems and swelling before fatal cardiac arrest

A forensic doctor has told the trial examining Diego Armando Maradona’s death that several serious warning signs were visible in the days before the Argentina legend died, but no one attempted to establish what was causing them.

Carlos Cassinelli said symptoms including swelling in Maradona’s legs and toes, breathing difficulties, snoring, high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate should have raised concerns about the former footballer’s condition.

Giving evidence in court, Cassinelli said Maradona’s health had deteriorated gradually for at least 10 days after he left hospital. He was part of the committee appointed by the court in 2021 and also took part in the autopsy of the former player.

“It was possible to warn about these signs,” Cassinelli told the court.

Maradona died on 25 November 2020 at the age of 60 after suffering a respiratory and cardiac crisis linked to pulmonary oedema.

Seven healthcare workers are being prosecuted over their role in caring for him. All deny responsibility and face potential prison sentences of up to 25 years if convicted.

The trial began in San Isidro four months ago and is expected to continue beyond August.

Disputed account of Maradona’s final hours

Cassinelli said that, despite the risks associated with the symptoms he described, no one tried to identify their underlying cause.

He also referred to the assessment made by the medical committee about the length of Maradona’s suffering. The committee estimated that he had endured distress for about 12 hours, although that conclusion remains disputed during the proceedings.

The testimony has renewed questions about the medical treatment Maradona received in the period before his death. The case has continued to generate controversy, with new details emerging periodically since the former Argentina captain died in 2020.

Maradona’s death followed a period in which he had been receiving medical care, and the court is examining the actions and decisions of those involved in looking after him. The prosecution of the seven healthcare workers centres on their alleged role in that care, while the defendants reject any responsibility for the outcome.

Cassinelli’s evidence focused on symptoms that he said were apparent before Maradona’s condition became fatal. His testimony provided the court with a description of the physical changes and breathing problems observed in the period leading up to the death, as well as the medical committee’s disputed estimate of how long he suffered.

The proceedings remain ongoing, with the court still considering the evidence surrounding Maradona’s final days and the treatment he received before the fatal respiratory and cardiac crisis.