For some strange reason (maybe influenced by Virginia Woolf’s stream of consciousness technique), I’ve linked Maradona’s and Gene Hackman’s deaths. Both celebrities, both millionaires, yet both died alone, abandoned to their fate. Prosecutors have described Maradona’s final days as the “horror theatre”. Disorder, no medical items in his untidy bedroom, no one by his side. Unbelievably sad ending for someone who has been one of the most popular footballers in the whole world. As to Gene Hackman and his wife, their bodies were found 10 days after they are believed to have died. Ten days! Really? If we saw this in a movie, we wouldn’t believe it. No one phoned them in between? No one tried to contact them? His children? Their friends, relatives, neighbours? No one cared?
Elvis Presley’ song comes to mind: Fame and fortune/How empty they can be/Who cares for fame and fortune?/They’re only passing things/ I know that I have nothing/If you should go away…
Buenos Aires Times, March 22, 2025