{
  "id": 603080,
  "title": "Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/doctors-ignored-warning-signs-before-maradonas-death-court-hears",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T21:07:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3363708/doctors-ignored-warning-signs-maradonas-death-court-hears"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Witness Carlos Cassinelli testified during the trial examining Argentine football legend Diego Maradona's death that several warning signs were overlooked before his demise in 2020. The World Cup winner passed away due to heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema, two weeks after undergoing surgery. Cassinelli, a forensic doctor, pointed out oedema in Maradona's lower limbs, swelling in his fingers, shortness of breath, hypertension, and an abnormally rapid heart rate. He emphasized that the medical team did not investigate the cause of the swelling, which could have posed a life-threatening risk. Cassinelli, part of a medical board assessing Maradona's health, believes these warning signs were disregarded because the doctors' approach remained unchanged. He also considered home hospitalization to be a mistake. Maradona's condition worsened following his release from the hospital; the deterioration was progressive, and a warning could have been issued, according to Cassinelli. The former footballer experienced around 12 hours of intense agony before succumbing to his injuries. The defendants deny any responsibility for the retired superstar's death, claiming he succumbed to natural causes due to his long-standing struggles with cocaine and alcohol addictions. The trial could potentially extend into August.",
  "summary": "Diego Maradona showed “warning signs” that went unheeded during the home hospitalisation leading up to his death in 2020, a witness on Tuesday told the trial examining the Argentine football legend’s demise. Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since mid-April in Argentina for potential negligence that may have contributed to his death. The World Cup winner died of heart failure and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/doctors-ignored-warning-signs-before-maradonas-death-court-hears-607046",
        "published": "2026-08-11T21:07:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/doctors-ignored-warning-signs-before-maradonas-death-court-hears",
        "published": "2026-08-12T13:43:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}