Medical Negligence Lawsuit
Soccer Star Savannah DeMelo Sues Doctors And Health System Over Cardiac Arrest
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Key Points
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The Sept. 14, 2025 match between Racing Louisville and Seattle Reign was abandoned after DeMelo collapsed late in the first half; the club initially said she was “stable and alert” after being treated and taken away by ambulance.
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Dr. Jennifer Daily, one of the defendants, was Racing Louisville’s chief medical officer but was not a club employee; she worked with the team through its medical-services agreement with UofL Health.
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DeMelo’s complaint alleges that UofL Health failed to act as “a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice” and that the alleged negligence was a substantial factor in causing her severe physical injuries, including cardiac arrest.
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DeMelo’s incident followed another prominent NWSL cardiac emergency involving Angel City defender Savy King in May 2025. After criticism over allowing that match to resume, the league said it would stop play in future cases—a policy applied when DeMelo collapsed.
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A person familiar with the arrangement said DeMelo has reached a verbal agreement to remain with Racing Louisville after her contract expires, pending league approval; with her back in full training, she could return as soon as the club’s Sept. 25 match against the San Diego Wave.
Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo sued University of Louisville Health and two physicians on September 14, 2024—one year after she suffered cardiac arrest during a match in Seattle Reuters. DeMelo alleges the doctors failed to diagnose ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous rapid heart rhythm, despite her reports of chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Instead, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, lost income, permanent impairment, and emotional suffering Freedom 96.9.
DeMelo collapsed late in the first half of the September 14, 2025 match against Seattle Reign. She was treated at the scene and later transferred to a hospital. The 24-year-old has not played since but recently returned to full training and may compete again soon, pending league approval of a verbal agreement to stay with Racing Louisville Reuters.
Missed Signs Before Collapse
DeMelo reported experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath before her cardiac arrest, according to her complaint Freedom 96.9. She was also hospitalized after a previous game but was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid—rather than a heart rhythm problem. Medical records later confirmed she had ventricular tachycardia, a condition that can cause sudden cardiac events Reuters.
Allegations of Medical Negligence
DeMelo's lawsuit claims UofL Health failed to act as "a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice" Freedom 96.9. She alleges the health system's negligence directly caused her cardiac arrest and severe physical injuries. The complaint names Dr. Jennifer Daily, who was Racing Louisville's chief medical officer but worked through UofL Health's medical services agreement, not as a club employee Reuters.
NWSL Changes Policy After Cardiac Emergencies
DeMelo's collapse followed another NWSL cardiac emergency involving Angel City defender Savy King in May 2025 Reuters. That match was allowed to resume after King collapsed, sparking criticism. The league then changed its policy to stop play in future cardiac emergencies. That new rule was applied when DeMelo collapsed, halting the match Freedom 96.9.
DeMelo's Recovery and Racing Louisville's Next Steps
DeMelo publicly disclosed the cardiac arrest on its one-year anniversary and thanked doctors at the University of Washington and Mayo Clinic, who treated her after the initial incident Reuters. She described the past year as emotionally difficult. With full training resumed, she could return to play as soon as Racing Louisville's September 25 match against San Diego Wave, pending final league approval Freedom 96.9.
UofL Health declined to comment because the case is pending Reuters. Racing Louisville is reportedly considering ending its medical partnership with the health system after the season. The club has not released a public statement on the lawsuit or DeMelo's return timeline Freedom 96.9.
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