Final Witness Raises Unexpected Theory Over Diego Maradona’s Death
The final witness in the trial over Diego Armando Maradona’s death raised a possibility that had not emerged during the previous hearings.
A new theory has emerged in the trial over the death of Diego Armando Maradona. Official expert Pablo Ferrari, the final witness to testify before the court, said COVID-19 cannot be ruled out as a possible cause of the Argentine legend’s death, introducing a scenario that had not previously played a central role in the proceedings.
“We cannot rule out that he died of COVID,” Ferrari said. The forensic doctor also described the failure to test for coronavirus during the autopsy as “a methodological error,” given the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while receiving home care at a residence outside Buenos Aires. Ferrari explained that the disease could attack the respiratory system rapidly and, in some cases, prove fatal within hours.
A Different Account of Maradona’s Final Hours
Ferrari’s testimony drew particular attention because the possibility had not been raised during the previous 43 hearings, which featured testimony from 76 witnesses.
Ferrari took part in an expert examination requested in 2025 by the defense of Leopoldo Luque, the main defendant in the case and the doctor identified throughout the trial as being responsible for Maradona’s medical care.
According to Ferrari, fluid accumulated in Maradona’s lungs over a relatively short period, potentially ranging from minutes to a few hours. He said that process could have caused respiratory distress that ultimately led to cardiac arrest.
The Key Point That Challenges Other Experts
One of the most significant elements of Ferrari’s testimony concerns the length of Maradona’s final agony. Other official experts told the court earlier in the trial that the 1986 World Cup winner may have been in distress for as long as 12 hours.
Ferrari offered a sharply different assessment. “His agony must have lasted only a few minutes,” he told the court.
Experts called by the defendants had previously argued that Maradona’s death was sudden. However, Ferrari is the only official expert to support that interpretation, making his testimony particularly significant for Luque’s defense.
What Happens Next in the Diego Maradona Trial?
The next hearing is scheduled for September 29, when the defendants are expected to begin expanding on their statements. Closing arguments are then scheduled to begin on October 6, with the trial expected to continue through the end of the month.
Along with Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, Nancy Forlini, Carlos Díaz, Mariano Perroni, Ricardo Almirón and Pedro Di Spagna are also standing trial.
All seven defendants are accused of simple homicide with eventual intent over the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death.
Key Takeaways
- Pablo Ferrari said COVID-19 cannot be ruled out as a possible cause of Diego Maradona’s death.
- The official expert called the failure to conduct a coronavirus test during the autopsy “a methodological error.”
- Ferrari also challenged the theory of a prolonged agony, arguing that Maradona’s final decline may have unfolded much more quickly.
