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Teams 24 September 2026

Last witness in Maradona trial: death from Covid-19 falls

Forensic expert Pablo Ferrari, the last witness heard in the trial surrounding the death of Diego Maradona, states that Covid-19 cannot be ruled out as a cause of death because no test was done during the autopsy. His view differs from previous experts and could be important for the defense of doctor Leopoldo Luque.

Last witness in Maradona trial: death from Covid-19 occurs

According to Mundodeportivo.

Background

Diego Armando Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on November 25, 2020. His death led to a lengthy legal process, during which several experts gave their testimonies. Pablo Ferrari's role as a forensic expert and his recent statement on the possibility of Covid-19 as a cause of death could significantly change the dynamics of this case.

Why this matters

Pablo Ferrari's statement could have significant consequences for the legal case surrounding the death of Diego Armando Maradona. By stating that Covid-19 cannot be ruled out as a cause of death, this can strengthen the defense of doctor Leopoldo Luque. This is particularly relevant given the circumstances of Maradona's death during the coronavirus pandemic, which has increased public and legal attention.

Key points

  • Last witness in Maradona trial: death from Covid-19 occurs.
  • Forensic expert Pablo Ferrari, the last witness heard in the trial surrounding the death of Diego Maradona, states that Covid-19 as a cause of death cannot be excluded because no test was done during the autopsy.
  • The ultimate test of the situation of Maradona muriera due to Covid-19.

The cause of death of Diego Armando Maradona is once again under discussion. During the most recent hearing in the San Isidro court, forensic doctor and official judicial expert Pablo Ferrari acted as the final witness in the trial. He stated that he cannot rule out that the Argentine football legend died in November 2020 from complications of Covid-19. According to Ferrari, failing to carry out a corona test during the autopsy is a 'methodological error', resulting in a crucial piece of information missing from the medical-diagnostic picture.

Maradona died on November 25, 2020, in the middle of the corona pandemic, while he was receiving treatment at home in a home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Ferrari outlined to the court how the coronavirus enters the body through the respiratory tract and can be fatal in a short time. In his analysis, Maradona would have built up fluid in the lungs in a short time, which led to asphyxiation and then to cardiac arrest. While some experts previously heard spoke of a possible agony phase of up to twelve hours, Ferrari stated that that phase could have lasted a few minutes at most.

Ferrari participated in an additional expert investigation requested by the defense in 2025. His statement comes after 43 hearings in which 76 witnesses spoke and was surprising because the possibility of a fatal Covid infection had not been explicitly mentioned until now. This makes Ferrari, as the only official perito who supports this reading, a key witness in the defense of the main suspect in the trial, doctor Leopoldo Luque, who is put forward by the Public Prosecution Service as the medical person responsible for Maradona's health condition.

In addition to Luque, the case also includes psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, Swiss' home care coordinatorMedical Nancy Forlini, psychologist Carlos Díaz, nurse coordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almirón and clinical doctor Pedro Di Spagna. They are all prosecuted for manslaughter with conditional intent. The key question in the trial is whether such negligence or errors of judgment have been made that Maradona's death can be attributed to the healthcare providers involved.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 29, when the suspects will complete their statements. The warrants are expected from October 6 and the trial is expected to continue until the end of that month. With Ferrari's statement, the defense has new ammunition to cast doubt on the exact cause of death, especially since the lack of a corona test leaves a gap in the forensic investigation. How heavily the court takes this into account will have to become clear in the final phase of the trial.

What's happening now

With Ferrari as a key witness, Luque's defense may be able to put forward new arguments in the lawsuit. The court will carefully consider the implications of Ferrari's testimony, especially as it adds a new dimension to the investigation. Further testimony and evidence will be crucial in the coming hearings, which could influence the outcome of this case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest development in the Maradona process?

The cause of death of Diego Armando Maradona is once again under discussion, with forensic doctor Pablo Ferrari stating that Covid-19 cannot be ruled out as a cause of death.

Who confirmed the possibility of Covid-19 as a cause of death?

Forensic doctor and official judicial expert Pablo Ferrari confirmed this possibility during his testimony.

Why is this discussion about Maradona's death being repeated now?

The discussion is being held again because Ferrari acted as the last witness in an additional expert investigation requested by the defense in 2025.

What are the most important changes in the case?

An important change is that the possibility of a fatal Covid infection is now explicitly mentioned, which was not previously the case.

What was Pablo Ferrari's role in the process?

Pablo Ferrari was the final witness and outlined how the coronavirus may have contributed to Maradona's death, adding crucial information to doctor Leopoldo Luque's defense.

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