United States midfielder suing doctors after suffering on-pitch heart attack

Analysis

FT Desk

United States midfielder Savannah DeMelo is suing two doctors and a hospital after suffering a heart attack during a game in September of 2025.

DeMelo, who has made seven senior appearances for the women's national team, has filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health (UofL Health) for negligence.

The incident happened during a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match on 14 September 2025 between Racing Louisville and Seattle Reign.

DeMelo's filing, which was made official on Tuesday, claims UofL Health and two doctors, Dr Sarabjeet Suri and Dr Jennifer Daily, "failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice, and such negligence was a substantial factor in causing DeMelo to suffer severe physical injuries, including, but not limited to, her cardiac arrest."

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The filing was made one year and one day after she suffered the cardiac arrest.

According to the filing, DeMelo was referred to Dr Suri by Dr Daily after complaining about chest pains and dizzy spells. Six months later, she had a heart attack.

"She was subsequently diagnosed and treated for ventricular tachycardia [an abnormal heart rhythm]," the suit states.

On the anniversary of the incident on 15 September, the midfielder posted on Instagram:

"A year ago today, while playing soccer, I collapsed due to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia, that caused me to go into cardiac arrest.

"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."

DeMelo, who has spent her entire professional career with Racing Louisville, has not played since her collapse.