USA midfielder sues doctors after on-pitch cardiac arrest

Savannah DeMelo, a midfielder for the United States women's national soccer team, is suing a Kentucky hospital and two doctors following a cardiac arrest she experienced during a National Women's Soccer League match last year. The 28-year-old player, who has seven senior caps for the USA, filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health (UofL Health) and two medical professionals, Dr. Sarabjeet Suri and Dr. Jennifer Daily, in Jefferson Circuit Court. The case was filed a year and a day after her collapse during a September 14, 2025, NWSL game.

DeMelo's lawsuit alleges that UofL Health and the two doctors failed to provide reasonable and competent medical care, contributing to her severe physical injuries, including the cardiac arrest. Dr. Daily, who is Racing Louisville's chief medical officer, had been treating DeMelo from January 2024 to July 2026. In March 2025, Dr. Daily referred DeMelo to Dr. Suri for evaluation and treatment after she complained of chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Dr. Suri conducted a history, physical examination, and ordered diagnostic tests.

Nearly six months after receiving treatment from Dr. Suri, DeMelo suffered the cardiac arrest. The lawsuit states that she was subsequently diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm. DeMelo, who has been a member of Racing Louisville throughout her professional career, has not played since her collapse.

In a post on her Instagram account on the incident's anniversary, DeMelo acknowledged the emotional toll of the year she has faced, expressing gratitude for the privacy shown during her struggles.