Soccer Star Savannah DeMelo Sues Doctors Who Missed the Heart Condition That Nearly Killed Her

A Collapse That Changed Everything

Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo is suing University of Louisville Health and two physicians for allegedly failing to diagnose a heart condition that led to her suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during a match in September 2025. Now, a year later, the 28-year-old U.S. international is speaking out — and taking legal action.

DeMelo collapsed during the 47th minute of Louisville's NWSL fixture against Seattle, sitting on the turf before falling backwards, where she was held by teammates as medical assistance arrived. She was taken by ambulance to a Seattle hospital after collapsing on the field, appearing unresponsive, as medics raced onto the pitch to treat her before she was stretchered into an ambulance and the game was abandoned. She hasn't played since.

Warning Signs That Were Missed

The lawsuit says that Dr. Jennifer Daily referred DeMelo to Dr. Sarabjeet Suri in March 2025 for complaints that included chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. In March 2025, DeMelo had already left a match and been hospitalized after feeling lightheaded on the pitch, and was at the time diagnosed with hyperthyroidism — with that earlier incident believed to be related to a medication imbalance. The lawsuit argues the real, more dangerous problem was hiding in plain sight the entire time.

Per DeMelo's nine-page lawsuit, she was under the care of Daily from January 17, 2024 through July 23, 2026. The lawsuit states that University of Louisville Health and its physicians failed to "properly diagnose and treat" her cardiac condition prior to her on-field cardiac arrest, and that the health system "acted negligently and failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent" medical provider. The lawsuit alleges multiple forms of negligence against both doctors and the University of Louisville Health system for failure to properly diagnose and treat her medical conditions, including her cardiac disease.

A Year of Silence, Then a Public Reckoning

DeMelo revealed the reason for her collapse for the first time on the one-year anniversary of the event. She posted to Instagram: "A year ago today, while playing soccer, I collapsed due to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, that caused me to go into cardiac arrest." In her post, she thanked doctors at the University of Washington and the Mayo Clinic — notably not the physicians she is now suing.

The suit alleges negligence against both doctors and the health system, citing ongoing care costs, lost income, and "permanent impairment in her power to labour and earn money." DeMelo, the No. 4 pick in the 2022 draft, had started twice for the U.S. at the 2023 World Cup — making the career interruption all the more devastating. University of Louisville Health said it couldn't comment on pending litigation.

A Broader Crisis in Women's Soccer

DeMelo's in-game health scare was the second known on-field cardiac incident from the 2025 NWSL season. In May 2025, Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed on the field and was taken to a hospital, where she soon underwent surgery for a heart abnormality that had not previously been identified. The NWSL was heavily criticized, including by the NWSL Players Association, for allowing that match to continue. The league vowed to halt a match in any similar future circumstance, which is what happened when DeMelo was transported off the field.

Two cardiac emergencies in a single NWSL season raises serious questions about the rigor of medical screening protocols for elite women athletes. DeMelo's lawsuit could prove to be a landmark moment — not just for her own career and recovery, but for how professional sports organizations approach athlete cardiac care. If the case succeeds, it may set a precedent that pushes leagues and team physicians toward far more aggressive screening standards, potentially saving lives before the next crisis unfolds on the pitch.