Wane Lumbasi
Eight medical personnel are to stand trial accused of criminal negligence in the death of legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona. Maradona, who captained Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning team, died in November 2020 at the age of 60.
The star, who underwent surgery for a subdural haematoma a few weeks prior to his death, died due to a cardiac arrest. Prosecutors now claim his death was the result of “omissions” by his caregivers. The defendants are accused of failing to take proper care of Maradona when he was recovering from surgery, which led to his death.
Among those facing charges are Maradona’s neurosurgeon and personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, a psychiatrist and psychologist, two doctors, two nurses and their boss. They have all denied responsibility for his death.
All eight are accused of “simple homicide,” which entails intent to eventually end a person’s life. According to the country’s penal code, a simple homicide conviction usually entails a prison sentence between eight to 25 years.
Maradona’s autopsy said he died of natural causes, but officials launched an investigation into the case after pressure from the star’s family. The death of Maradona sparked nationwide mourning in Argentina as well as fans of the game across the world.
