Court Expert Raises Possibility Diego Maradona Died from Covid-19 During Trial

An official court expert introduced a surprising idea during the ongoing trial about Diego Maradona's death, suggesting that the Argentine football legend might have died due to Covid-19. Forensic doctor Pablo Ferrari told the court that the absence of coronavirus testing during the autopsy was a major oversight.

Unexpected Claim Shakes Argentine Courtroom

Maradona died in his sleep from cardiac arrest at his home in Tigre on November 25, 2020, aged 60. His death came just two weeks after he left the hospital following surgery to fix a subdural hematoma on his brain. As the trial in San Isidro nears its end, having heard testimony from 76 witnesses, Ferrari shocked everyone by proposing that Covid-19 cannot be dismissed as a cause of death.

Forensic Doctor Criticizes Post-Mortem Approach

Speaking as the final witness and reported by Spanish media outlet MARCA, Ferrari criticized the lack of coronavirus screening during the autopsy, which took place amid the global pandemic. He stated, "We cannot rule out that he died of Covid." He explained how the respiratory virus could rapidly worsen a patient’s condition, saying, "The coronavirus disease entered through the respiratory tract and could be fulminant in its virulence and kill the patient in a few hours."

Ferrari also challenged previous expert claims that Maradona suffered a painful 12-hour struggle before death, arguing instead that his agony lasted only a few minutes.

Conflicting Medical Testimonies Shape Defence Case

Ferrari's views support the defence led by Maradona's main doctor, Leopoldo Luque. Luque maintains that Maradona suddenly accumulated fluid in his lungs, leading to acute respiratory distress and cardiac arrest within minutes. Ferrari is the only official court expert backing this claim, strengthening the defence team's position.

Along with Luque, six other medical professionals face charges of simple homicide with eventual intent. They include psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, Nancy Forlini, Carlos Diaz, Mariano Perroni, Ricardo Almiron, and Pedro Di Spagna.

Trial Nears Closing Arguments

The trial will continue on September 29, when defendants can make extended statements directly to the judges. Formal closing arguments are scheduled for October 6. The court is expected to wrap up the case and deliver a verdict before the month ends.

• Defendants charged: Leopoldo Luque, Agustina Cosachov, Nancy Forlini, Carlos Diaz, Mariano Perroni, Ricardo Almiron, Pedro Di Spagna
• Death date: November 25, 2020
• Cause of death officially: Cardiac arrest
• New theory suggested: Possible death from Covid-19
• Trial location: San Isidro, Argentina
• Witnesses heard: 76
• Next trial dates: September 29 (statements), October 6 (closing arguments)