Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo, a 28‑year‑old United States women’s national team player, has taken legal action against University of Louisville Health and doctors Jennifer Daily and Sarabjeet Suri. The lawsuit claims the medical team failed to recognize and treat her cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat that caused a cardiac arrest during a match in September 2025.
Background of the incident
DeMelo collapsed on the field while playing for Racing Louisville, prompting an emergency response and a subsequent hospitalization. In an Instagram post marking the one‑year anniversary of the incident, she confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia and described the emotional toll of the past year.
Six months before the on‑field collapse, DeMelo was hospitalized after feeling unwell following another game. At that time, she told ESPN that doctors had attributed her symptoms to hyperthyroidism, not a heart condition.
Details of the lawsuit
The complaint alleges that Dr. Daily, Dr. Suri, and University of Louisville Health did not acknowledge or treat her heart condition despite her being under their care after she reported warning signs. DeMelo is seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings, citing a “permanent impairment in her power to labor and earn money.”
University of Louisville Health declined to comment on the lawsuit, according to multiple media reports.
DeMelo’s career impact
DeMelo was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NWSL draft and has appeared in 79 games for Racing Louisville, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists over four seasons. She has not returned to the field since the September 2025 collapse.
Community response
The local soccer community has expressed support for DeMelo, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical evaluation for athletes. While the lawsuit proceeds, the case highlights broader concerns about athlete health monitoring and the responsibility of medical providers to diagnose potentially life‑threatening conditions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
