Seven health-care professionals who cared for Diego Maradona during his final days face criminal negligence charges related to his home care after brain surgery in November 2020 [1, 2]. Maradona died at age 60 while recovering at a rented house in Tigre, Argentina, two weeks after surgery to remove a brain clot [1, 2]. The cause of death was heart failure and acute pulmonary edema [1, 2].
Neurosurgeon Rodolfo Benvenuti testified the home care setup did not meet proper medical protocols [1, 2]. He recommended continuous 24-hour monitoring of vital signs, plus medical equipment including a defibrillator and pulse oximeter. Benvenuti said Maradona should have been checked every two to three hours and stated, “If all the conditions were not fulfilled in the house, home care should never have been allowed” [1].
A nursing supervisor warned the medical team in a voice message that they were "not prepared for an emergency," highlighting the absence of an IV drip at the residence [1, 2]. An emergency room doctor who arrived after Maradona’s death also noted the house lacked a defibrillator or oxygen supply [1, 2].
The accused deny responsibility and argue Maradona’s death was due to natural causes linked to his history of cocaine and alcohol addiction [1, 2]. An earlier trial was annulled last year after revelations a judge participated in a clandestine documentary on the case, leading to a new trial [1, 2].
The trial has focused on whether failure to implement the recommended strict home care protocol contributed to Maradona’s death. The health workers’ legal proceedings continue following testimony in June 2026 that detailed the inadequate care [1, 2].