Diego Maradona showed unheeded 'warning signs' before death, witness tells trial

Diego Maradona showed “warning signs” that went unheeded during the home hospitalisation leading up to his death in 2020, a witness on Tuesday told the trial examining the Argentine football legend’s demise.

Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since mid-April in Argentina for potential negligence that may have contributed to his death.

The World Cup winner died of heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema – a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs – two weeks after undergoing surgery.

Forensic doctor Carlos Cassinelli said he had observed “warning signs” including oedema in the lower limbs, swelling in the fingers, shortness of breath and signs of hypertension and an abnormally fast heart rate.

“Nobody went to see what that swelling was about” even though it posed “a life-threatening risk”, he told the court in San Isidro, north of Buenos Aires.

Cassinelli is a member of a medical board that analysed an array of records and statements to determine Maradona’s state of health.