Diego Maradona Cause Of Death: Medical Team Charged With Homicide For Recklessness

Seven medical professionals may be jailed for up to 25 years facing homicide charges over the death of soccer superstar Diego "El Pibe de Oro" Maradona, who died from heart failure just two weeks after undergoing brain surgery in Argentina last year.

The prosecutor's office in San Isidro, Argentina charged neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, along with two other doctors and three nurses, with simple homicide with eventual intent for their alleged medical negligence.

The suspects are accused of carrying themselves in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner” before and after the soccer player's death. Prosecutors believed that Maradona's health condition worsened because doctors ignored “signs of life risk,” resulting in his death, reported FOX News.

The sports icon's death came just weeks after Luque performed brain surgery on Maradona due to a blood clot. The soccer player was under Cosachov's care for his anxiety and depression.

However, Luque and Cosachov strenuously denied the accusations of medical malpractice.

Further details on the cause of Maradona's death have come to light after the San Isidro Attorney General’s Office's investigation capped off. It centered on conclusions by a medical board installed to settle if there was evidence of culpable homicide from Maradona's medical team.

According to the damning report, Maradona received inadequate medical care and was left to his ill fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.

ESPN noted that private conversations held between doctors and people from Maradona's entourage were leaked to the media. The audio had shown that the soccer player was not being properly looked after before his death.

Fans were quick to notice a decline in Maradona's health. The former athlete, who had developed difficulty in speaking following the brain surgery, had also been in and out of the hospital due to liver, kidney as well as cardiovascular issues.

Maradona's autopsy found that he died in his sleep from acute pulmonary edema, a fluid buildup in the lungs, due to congestive heart failure. His passing on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 left many fans and his family shocked.

Psychotropic drugs used to treat Maradona's anxiety and depression were later detected in the toxicology report. Maradona had a history of battling cocaine and alcohol addictions but no alcohol or illegal substances were found in his system when he died.

According to the New York Daily News, authorities are yet to ascertain the motive of the seven suspects, who may serve eight to 25 years in jail if convicted.

The accused, who will begin to testify from May 31, are banned from leaving Argentina. They will be interrogated by examining judges until June 14.