Maradona death trial reveals aides said he was in “free fall”

During the criminal trial over the 2020 death of Argentine football legend Diego Armando Maradona, several of his close aides testified that the star was in a critical health decline. Personal secretary Maximiliano Pomargo told the San Isidro court that Maradona was “in caída libre” a month before his death, drinking heavily and that doctors had discussed forced internment. He recalled warning family doctor Leopoldo Luque about Maradona’s alcohol use and noted swelling and depression in his final days.

Psychologist Carlos Díaz, also charged, said his treatment suggestions were ignored by the medical team, including psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and insisted his only plan was an abstinence‑based program. Both Pomargo and Díaz referenced messages showing the team’s disagreement over care decisions.

The trial also counts the home‑care coordinator of Swiss Medical, Nancy Forlini, clinician Pedro Di Spagna, nurse coordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almirón, and doctor Pedro Di Spagna among those facing homicide charges with potential sentences of eight to 25 years. Autopsy findings confirmed Maradona died of acute pulmonary edema secondary to chronic heart failure. The court continues to hear testimonies to determine whether negligence, omissions or forced internment contributed to his death.