United States women’s national team midfielder Savannah DeMelo filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health and two doctors on Tuesday morning, according to court documents seen by BBC Sport. The legal action comes exactly a year and a day after DeMelo collapsed on the pitch during a National Women’s Soccer League match on Sept. 14, 2025.
Lawsuit Details and Medical Timeline
The 28-year-old player filed the negligence lawsuit in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky, where her club, Racing Louisville, is based. According to court records, the filing claims that UofL Health, Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, and Dr. Jennifer Daily “failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice.” The complaint states this alleged negligence was a substantial factor in causing DeMelo to suffer severe physical injuries, including cardiac arrest.
Online biographies list Dr. Daily as the chief medical officer for Racing Louisville. In March 2025, Dr. Daily referred DeMelo to Dr. Suri for evaluation and treatment after the midfielder reported experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of air. Court documents state that Dr. Suri obtained a medical history, conducted a physical examination, and ordered diagnostic tests.
Nearly six months following that referral, DeMelo suffered her on-field cardiac arrest during the September match. The filing notes that she was subsequently diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm. DeMelo has spent her entire professional career with Racing Louisville but has not played a match since her collapse.
Did you know? Savannah DeMelo earned seven senior caps for the United States and was selected for the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad, starting the team’s first two matches of the tournament.
Player Statement on the Anniversary
Marking the anniversary of the medical emergency, DeMelo shared a statement on her Instagram page on Tuesday. She addressed the physical and emotional toll of the past year.
“A year ago today, while playing soccer, I collapsed due to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, that caused me to go into cardiac arrest,” DeMelo wrote on Instagram. “I respect and appreciate the privacy everyone has met me with while going through everything I have this year. 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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the lawsuit filed?
According to documents seen by BBC Sport, the lawsuit was filed on Tuesday morning with Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky.
Who is named as a defendant in the case?
The lawsuit names University of Louisville Health, Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, and Dr. Jennifer Daily as defendants.
When did Savannah DeMelo collapse?
DeMelo collapsed on the pitch during an NWSL match on Sept. 14, 2025.
What medical condition was DeMelo diagnosed with?
According to court documents, she was diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm.
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