Shocking testimony has emerged from the ongoing trial investigating the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona. A physician who examined Maradona's body following his passing in November 2020 has provided a grim timeline, suggesting the star may have suffered for an extended period before his death.
Dr. Carlos Casinelli, who participated in the autopsy, testified on Thursday that the medical evidence points to a prolonged agony. He cited specific findings from the examination, including cerebral edema, blood clots in the heart, pleural effusion, generalized diffuse edema, and signs of hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the cells. According to Dr. Casinelli, these are not indicators of a sudden death but rather the signs of a lengthy, painful process.
When pressed on the duration, the doctor estimated the agony lasted "approximately 12 hours." This testimony builds upon statements made earlier in the week by another physician, Federico Corasaniti, who also co-authored the autopsy analysis. Dr. Corasaniti had previously pointed to heart conditions suggesting a prolonged suffering, though his account was described as less precise than that of his colleague.
The length of Maradona's potential suffering is a critical point in the legal proceedings. The trial is examining the quality of care the 60-year-old received while recovering in a private residence. He had undergone what was described as simple neurosurgery for a head hematoma and was in convalescence when he died from a cardiorespiratory crisis coupled with pulmonary edema.
The defense for some of the accused individuals is contesting the narrative of a prolonged agony. They argue that such a scenario is inconsistent with a death from natural causes, suggesting instead that Maradona's body was simply worn down by a history of excess and addiction. The day nurse discovered him unresponsive on his bed on the morning of November 25, 2020.
Dr. Casinelli's testimony also included the autopsy's conclusion regarding the time of death, which was estimated to have occurred between 9:00 AM and noon on that day. This timeline is now under intense scrutiny as the court seeks to determine if the medical team and caregivers present at the residence failed to recognize or respond to signs of his deteriorating condition in time.
The case continues to captivate the football world, as it seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the final hours of one of the sport's most iconic and beloved figures. The medical testimony is central to determining whether negligence played a role in his tragic passing.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.