Maradona death case: Witness recounts poor care in his final days

A security guard who protected Diego Maradona in the weeks before his death has provided a "disturbing" account of the football legend's final days, testifying to his clear decline and inconsistent care. Anibal Domínguez, who guarded Maradona at his home in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, until three days before the star's death on November 25, 2020, is a witness in the trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence.

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In the few times I saw him, he was bloated, as if suffering from fluid retention, he looked swollen.

Domínguez described Maradona as "bloated, as if suffering from fluid retention" and "swollen." He also revealed that the football icon sometimes urinated or defecated on himself, unable to reach the bathroom, necessitating the installation of a chemical toilet in his room. This testimony paints a grim picture of the star's physical state during his recovery period.

The guard specifically criticized the care provided by Dr. Leopoldo Luque, one of the main defendants, who was considered Maradona's close doctor and held significant authority over his recovery. Domínguez stated that Luque was supposed to visit but often did not, despite receiving voice messages from the guard warning about Maradona's condition. "We weren't able to handle Diego; he was in a bad mood and treated everyone badly," Domínguez recalled.

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Sometimes, he would urinate or defecate on himself, and he wasn't able to reach the bathroom.

Domínguez also highlighted the challenges posed by Maradona's immense fame and difficult temperament, which made those around him hesitant to confront him about his health. Even Luque, who was both doctor and friend, was reportedly expelled by Maradona and spat on, only to return later. "The situation wasn't good; because he was his doctor, and at the same time, his friend," Domínguez lamented. He added, "He wasn't in good shape; but at the same time, we couldn't say no to him. We couldn't get into a confrontation with Diego because things would have gotten worse; he would explode with anger. The leader was Diego."

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It was supposed to come (Luque); but he wasn't coming.

Maradona died at age 60 from acute heart and respiratory failure, accompanied by pulmonary edema, while alone in bed. Forensic doctors have stated he suffered in his final hours. The trial, which has been ongoing for four months, sees the seven defendants denying responsibility, with most maintaining their roles were limited to their medical expertise and not directly linked to the clinical causes of death. The proceedings are expected to extend beyond August.

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We weren't able to handle Diego; he was in a bad mood and treated everyone badly.