Court Expert Suggests Diego Maradona Might Have Died from Covid-19

An official court expert has introduced a surprising idea in the ongoing trial about Diego Maradona's death, suggesting that the football legend may have died from Covid-19. Forensic doctor Pablo Ferrari told judges that not testing for coronavirus during the post-mortem was a serious mistake.

Maradona’s Passing and Trial Background

The Argentine superstar died in his sleep at home in Tigre on November 25, 2020, aged 60. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest, occurring just two weeks after he left the hospital following surgery to treat a brain subdural haematoma. The trial, now nearing its end in San Isidro and having heard testimony from 76 witnesses, took a new turn when Ferrari raised doubts about the cause of death.

Forensic Expert Questions Post-Mortem Procedures

Ferrari, acting as the final witness, expressed criticism over the lack of coronavirus testing in the autopsy amid the pandemic. He said: We cannot rule out that he died of Covid. He explained how the virus attacks through the respiratory system and can rapidly become deadly, sometimes killing patients within hours.

Contrasting earlier claims that Maradona suffered a prolonged 12-hour agony, Ferrari insisted the suffering lasted only a few minutes.

Conflicting Medical Opinions Affect Defence Strategy

Ferrari's viewpoint backs the defence led by doctor Leopoldo Luque, who argued that Maradona experienced a sudden buildup of fluid in the lungs, causing acute respiratory distress and rapid cardiac arrest. Ferrari is the only official court expert supporting this version, giving the defence a critical voice.

Alongside 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.

Upcoming Trial Developments

The hearing will continue on September 29, allowing the accused to speak more directly to the judges. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin on October 6, with the court expected to finish all legal steps and deliver a verdict before the month's end.

• Date of death: November 25, 2020
• Age at death: 60
• Cause of death according to original report: Cardiac arrest
• New theory suggested by expert: Possible death due to Covid-19 infection
• Number of witnesses heard so far: 76
• Number of doctors charged: 7
• Next trial date: September 29, 2026
• Closing arguments start: October 6, 2026