Maradona Doctor’s Defense Argues Death Was Unforeseeable Cardiac Event
In the ongoing trial in Argentina over Diego Maradona's 2020 death, defense lawyers for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque argue that the football legend's death was unforeseeable and that Luque should be acquitted of malpractice charges. The defense rejects claims of negligence, stating Maradona died from an acute cardiac event, not dilated cardiomyopathy, and that care arrangements were agreed upon by Maradona's family.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-10-21
Defense lawyers for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, charged in the 2020 death of Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, have asked the court to acquit their client, arguing that the death was unforeseeable and not due to medical negligence.
During closing arguments in the trial held in San Isidro, Francisco Oneto, one of Luque’s lawyers, rejected the prosecution’s claim that Maradona’s death was foreseeable. He stated that medical evidence showed no signs of dilated cardiomyopathy and that Maradona was in good cardiovascular health, dying instead from an acute and unforeseeable cardiac event.
Oneto also emphasized that Maradona’s family had consented to his transfer to a home-care facility in Tigre and that Luque was not responsible for overseeing the care there. The defense argued that the case was based on a flawed premise lacking sufficient evidence of intent or negligence.
Maradona died from heart failure while recovering from brain surgery at his home near Buenos Aires in 2020. Seven members of his medical team, including Luque, face charges of gross negligence manslaughter, accused of providing inadequate care during his recovery. The defendants deny wrongdoing and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The trial began in April 2026 after a previous trial was annulled in May 2025 due to a judge’s conflict of interest. The case remains closely watched given Maradona’s iconic status in football worldwide and in Argentina.