Posted by Chinenye on Thu 17th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
American soccer player Savannah DeMelo is suing a hospital and two doctors after she collapsed during a match and suffered a serious heart problem.
(Savannah DeMelo collapsed during a league match. Photo by BBC Sport)
American women's national team player Savannah DeMelo has filed a lawsuit against a hospital and two doctors for failing to diagnose a heart condition that caused her to collapse during a soccer match last year.
The 28-year-old sued University of Louisville Health, Dr Sarabjeet Suri and Dr Jennifer Daily in Kentucky court, where her club Racing Louisville is based.
DeMelo's lawsuit claims the doctors failed to act competently and that their negligence led directly to her cardiac arrest.
She collapsed during the first half of a match on September 14, 2025, and has not played since.
Court documents show DeMelo had reported chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath before the collapse.
In March 2025, Dr Daily referred her to Dr Suri for evaluation.
Suri reviewed her medical history, examined her and ordered tests.
Nearly six months later, DeMelo suffered cardiac arrest.
She was subsequently diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm condition.
Dr Daily served as Racing Louisville's chief medical officer and oversaw DeMelo's care from January 2024 to July 2026.
DeMelo has seven caps for the US and was selected for the 2023 Women's World Cup, starting the team's first two matches.
One year after her collapse, DeMelo posted on social media describing the incident and the emotional toll it has taken.
She said the past year had been incredibly hard and filled with uncertainty.
She has spent her entire career with Racing Louisville but remains unable to return to competitive football.
The case is ongoing and the allegations have not been proven in court.