United States women’s national team midfielder Savannah DeMelo has filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health and two doctors, alleging that medical negligence contributed to the cardiac arrest she suffered during a football match in 2025.
DeMelo, 28, collapsed during the first half of Racing Louisville’s National Women’s Soccer League match against Seattle Reign on September 14, 2025. She was taken from the field for medical treatment and has not returned to competitive football since the incident.
The lawsuit was filed in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky, where Racing Louisville is based. DeMelo is suing University of Louisville Health, Dr Sarabjeet Suri and Dr Jennifer Daily over the medical care she received before the cardiac arrest.
According to the court filing, DeMelo had previously complained of chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. In March 2025, Dr Daily referred her to Dr Suri for further evaluation and treatment.
The lawsuit alleges that the doctors failed to properly diagnose and treat an underlying cardiac condition. It claims that the defendants failed to provide the standard of medical care expected of a reasonably competent medical provider and that their alleged negligence contributed to DeMelo suffering severe physical injuries, including cardiac arrest.
The filing states that Dr Suri obtained DeMelo’s medical history, conducted a physical examination and ordered diagnostic tests following the referral. Nearly six months later, she suffered the cardiac arrest during the match.
DeMelo later received treatment for ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm. On the anniversary of her collapse, she publicly disclosed that she had suffered cardiac arrest after what she described as an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia.
The lawsuit also seeks compensation for medical and hospital expenses, lost income and other losses that DeMelo says resulted from the incident and its aftermath.
Dr Daily is the chief medical officer of Racing Louisville and is affiliated with the University of Louisville’s health system. The lawsuit does not name Racing Louisville itself as a defendant.
DeMelo has remained away from competitive football since the cardiac arrest, although she has continued to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of the incident. She previously earned seven senior appearances for the United States and was part of the American squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The case is now before the court, where the allegations contained in DeMelo’s lawsuit will be subject to legal proceedings. The claims against the hospital and doctors have not been proven in court, and the defendants’ responses will form part of the ongoing case.
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