USWNT Player Savannah DeMelo Sues Hospital and Doctors After On-Field Cardiac Arrest

United States women's national team midfielder Savannah DeMelo has filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health (UofL Health) and two doctors, alleging negligence led to her suffering a cardiac arrest on the field last year. The legal action was filed Tuesday in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky.

DeMelo, who has seven senior caps for the U.S. national team and plays for Racing Louisville, collapsed during a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match on September 14, 2025. The lawsuit claims that Dr. Sarabjeet Suri and Dr. Jennifer Daily, along with UofL Health, failed to act as a reasonably prudent medical practice. This alleged negligence, the suit contends, was a substantial factor in causing DeMelo's cardiac arrest.

According to her UofL biography, Dr. Daily serves as the chief medical officer for Racing Louisville. The lawsuit indicates DeMelo was under Dr. Daily's care from January 2024 until July 2026. Records show that in March 2025, DeMelo reported experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Dr. Daily then referred her to Dr. Suri for evaluation and treatment. Following an examination and diagnostic tests ordered by Dr. Suri, DeMelo suffered the cardiac arrest nearly six months later.

DeMelo was subsequently diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm. She has not played professionally since her collapse.

Marking the anniversary of the incident on social media, DeMelo stated, "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 the emotional difficulty of the past year, noting the significant uncertainty and emotional toll involved.

DeMelo was part of the U.S. squad for the 2023 Women's World Cup, starting the team's initial two games.