Savannah DeMelo sues UofL Health a year after on-field cardiac arrest
Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo has sued UofL Health and two of its doctors for negligence over her on-field cardiac arrest last season.
The case was filed on the morning of 15 September 2026 in Jefferson Circuit Court. A court clerk confirmed the filing to The Guardian, a year and a day after DeMelo collapsed during a league match.
The lawsuit alleges UofL Health failed to properly diagnose a heart condition before that collapse. DeMelo went down in the first half of Louisville's NWSL game away to Seattle Reign FC on 14 September 2025. The NWSL is the top flight of women's football in the United States.
The complaint claims UofL Health “failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent medical practice”. It says that negligence was a substantial factor in causing severe physical injuries, including cardiac arrest.
DeMelo collapsed while a teammate held her arm in an effort to keep her upright. The match in Seattle was abandoned and later rescheduled, and DeMelo was said to be awake and in good spirits the next day, according to Reuters.
The filing follows a difficult medical history. DeMelo was diagnosed in late 2024 with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. She left a game on 22 March 2025 with dizziness and chest tightness, then disclosed the diagnosis. Her collapse in Seattle came six months later.
She was the second NWSL player to suffer a heart scare in a game last season. Angel City defender Savy King suffered a cardiac arrest on 9 May 2025.
The lawsuit names two physicians, including Dr Jennifer Daily, according to BizJournals. Neither doctor is employed by Racing Louisville. One is listed as chief medical officer and both worked with the team under an agreement between the club and the health organisation.
Racing Louisville has decided it will not work with UofL Health after the current season. The club is now searching for a new medical partner ahead of the 2027 season. Racing declined to comment on the lawsuit, and UofL Health said it was unable to comment on pending litigation.
DeMelo, 28, was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft. She has spent her entire professional career with Louisville. She was a surprise pick for the United States squad at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, becoming only the third US player to make a World Cup squad without a prior senior cap.
She resumed full training with teammates in the week of 15 September 2026. She is nearing a return to competitive action and could be involved as soon as 25 September, when Louisville host San Diego Wave.
Her Louisville contract was due to expire at the end of the 2026 season. She has reached a verbal agreement to stay at the club, pending league approval, which could be announced as soon as next week.
For fans, this means two stories running together. A legal fight about what happened a year ago. And a possible comeback, twelve months after a moment when many feared for much more than a career.
