Racing Louisville's Savannah DeMelo Sues Team Doctors Over On-Field Cardiac Arrest

Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against UofL Health and two physicians, alleging they failed to properly diagnose and treat the heart condition that caused her on-field cardiac arrest last year. The complaint was filed in Jefferson Circuit Court on Tuesday, exactly one year and a day after the 28-year-old United States women's national team player collapsed during a National Women's Soccer League match.[1][2]

The lawsuit names UofL Health, UofL Physicians, cardiologist Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, and sports medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Daily as defendants. It claims the medical providers "failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice," and that their negligence was a substantial factor in the severe physical injuries DeMelo suffered.[1][4]

DeMelo's cardiac arrest occurred on September 14, 2025, two minutes into first-half stoppage time during a scoreless match against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field. She received immediate treatment on the pitch and was transported to a Seattle hospital, where she remained for nearly a week.[1][5]

In a public statement released on Monday, DeMelo confirmed the exact nature of the medical emergency for the first time. "A year ago today, while playing soccer, I collapsed due to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, that caused me to go into cardiac arrest," she wrote on Instagram. "I'll never be able to fully put into words how emotionally hard this year has been."[3][4]

According to the legal filing, DeMelo was subsequently diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, a potentially life-threatening rapid heart rhythm that originates in the lower chambers of the heart.[1][4]

The lawsuit traces the alleged negligence back to the spring of 2025. The complaint states that DeMelo, who had been under Dr. Daily's care since January 2024, reported symptoms including chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath in late March 2025. Daily referred her to Suri, who evaluated the midfielder on March 27, 2025, and ordered diagnostic tests.[1][4]

DeMelo had previously disclosed in May 2025 that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism in late 2024. At the time, she told reporters that she had struggled with a racing heart and fatigue, noting that "playing a 90-minute game felt unbearable." The lawsuit alleges that despite her telltale symptoms and ongoing care, the doctors failed to identify her underlying cardiac disease.[1][3]

The legal action seeks unspecified monetary damages for medical and hospital expenses, physical and mental pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint also cites a "permanent impairment in her power to labor and earn money," alongside claims for lost income. UofL Health declined to comment on the allegations, citing the pending litigation.[1][3]

The fallout from the incident has already prompted institutional changes at Racing Louisville. While Dr. Daily served as the club's chief medical officer, she was not directly employed by the team, operating instead under a partnership agreement. The club has reportedly decided to sever its relationship with UofL Health at the end of the current season and is actively seeking a new medical provider for the 2027 campaign.[2][6]

Despite the severity of the cardiac event and the ensuing legal battle, DeMelo's professional career appears poised to continue. The midfielder, who was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NWSL draft, has resumed full training with her teammates. Club sources indicate she could return to competitive action as soon as September 25, when Louisville hosts the San Diego Wave, and has reached a verbal agreement to extend her expiring contract.[2][6]