US Soccer Star Savannah DeMelo Drags Hospital, Doctors to Court Over On-Field Collapse

United States women’s national team midfielder, Savannah DeMelo, has initiated a lawsuit against a hospital and two physicians, alleging negligence following an on-field cardiac arrest she experienced during a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match last year. The 28-year-old athlete filed the legal action in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky, the home state of her club, Racing Louisville, targeting University of Louisville Health (UofL Health), Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, and Dr. Jennifer Daily.

Court documents reveal DeMelo's assertion that the defendants “failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice,” further stating that their alleged negligence was “a substantial factor in causing DeMelo to suffer severe physical injuries, including, but not limited to, her cardiac arrest.” DeMelo collapsed during the first half of a Racing Louisville game on September 14, 2025, and has not participated in competitive play since the incident.

The lawsuit details that DeMelo had reported experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath prior to her cardiac arrest. In March 2025, Dr. Daily reportedly referred DeMelo to Dr. Suri for “evaluation and treatment.” According to the legal filing, Dr. Suri reviewed DeMelo’s medical history, conducted a physical examination, and ordered diagnostic tests. Approximately six months later, DeMelo suffered the cardiac arrest and was subsequently diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia, an irregular heart rhythm.

Dr. Daily, identified as Racing Louisville’s chief medical officer in her University of Louisville biography, was allegedly responsible for DeMelo's care from January 2024 to July 2026. DeMelo, who holds seven senior caps for the United States and started the first two matches for the US squad at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, reflected on the incident a year after her collapse.

In an Instagram post marking the anniversary, DeMelo wrote, “A year ago today, while playing soccer, I collapsed due to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, that caused me to go into cardiac arrest.” She expressed gratitude for the privacy granted during her recovery, adding, “I’ll never be able to fully put into words how emotionally hard this year has been. There has been a lot of uncertainty and emotions intertwined with it all.”

Although DeMelo has spent her entire professional career with Racing Louisville, she has yet to return to competitive football since the cardiac event. The claims made in the lawsuit are currently unproven in court, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.