Racing Louisville midfielder and United States international Savannah DeMelo has filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health and two doctors over the medical treatment she received before suffering cardiac arrest during an NWSL match last year.
DeMelo, 28, collapsed during Racing Louisville's match against Seattle Reign on September 14, 2025. She was taken from the field for treatment and was later diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm. She has not played competitively since the incident.
The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky, names UofL Health and physicians Jennifer Daily and Sarabjeet Suri as defendants. DeMelo alleges that the medical providers failed to properly identify and treat an underlying cardiac condition despite symptoms she had experienced months before her collapse. The allegations have not been determined by a court, and UofL Health has said it cannot comment on pending litigation.
According to the complaint, DeMelo was referred to Suri in March 2025 after experiencing symptoms including chest pain, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Suri reportedly conducted an examination and ordered diagnostic tests, with DeMelo remaining under medical care in the months that followed.
The filing alleges that the failure to properly diagnose and treat her condition was a substantial factor in the cardiac arrest and caused significant physical and financial consequences. DeMelo is seeking damages related to medical expenses, lost income, physical and mental suffering and her ability to work.
The midfielder had previously revealed that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism in late 2024. In March 2025, she was forced to leave a match after experiencing dizziness and chest tightness. She later explained that medication and the effects of her thyroid condition had affected her during that period.
DeMelo publicly addressed the cardiac arrest for the first time while marking the first anniversary of the incident. In a social media post, she said she had collapsed because of an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia and described the past year as emotionally difficult.
She also thanked the medical professionals who treated her after the collapse, as well as her fiancé, family and friends for supporting her throughout her recovery.
DeMelo has been with Racing Louisville since being selected fourth overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Her performances during the 2023 season earned her a place in the United States squad for the Women's World Cup, where she started the team's opening two matches. She has seven senior appearances for the national team.
Despite remaining away from competitive action since the cardiac arrest, DeMelo has returned to full training with Racing Louisville. Reports indicate she could be in contention to play again later this month, while the club is also reportedly working toward keeping her beyond the current season.
The case remains ongoing, with the allegations against the medical providers yet to be adjudicated.
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