Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Teen Cheerleader’s Caffeine-Related Death
The family of a 17-year-old Texas cheerleader has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturer of a popular energy drink, alleging that excessive caffeine consumption led to her death from an enlarged heart.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a high school student from Weslaco, Texas, passed away in October. Her family’s attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., disclosed at a news conference that the Hidalgo County coroner attributed her death to “heart enlargement due to stress and large amounts of caffeine.” Attempts to obtain comments from Hidalgo County officials were unsuccessful.
Agosto emphasized that the Alani Nu energy drink, which Rodriguez frequently consumed, lacked adequate warnings regarding the serious cardiac risks associated with its use. The lawsuit, filed in Hidalgo County District Court, not only includes these allegations but also seeks damages exceeding $1 million. The family did not respond to requests for additional comments.
According to Agosto, there were no pre-existing heart conditions affecting Rodriguez. He noted that numerous drug tests conducted by the coroner revealed no traces of alcohol or other substances, with caffeine being the only component found in her system.
Rodriguez was characterized as a vibrant and ambitious young woman, actively participating in sports such as tennis and cheerleading. “Her life was cut short,” said Agosto during the press conference, surrounded by her family.
The family’s lawsuit targets both the distributor, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage, and the Texas-based company, which distributes beverages across several states, including Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma.
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage Co. did not immediately return requests for comments regarding the lawsuit. Celsius, the parent company of Alani Nu, expressed condolences, stating that they prioritize product safety and believe in transparent information for consumers. They noted that Alani Nu contains 200 mg of caffeine per can, and its labeling advises against consumption by children, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Agosto indicated that the lawsuit names the distributor as they believed it was responsible for the product’s widespread distribution without adequate warnings. He suggested that additional defendants may be included as the case progresses, potentially involving Celsius itself.
Alani Nu’s caffeine concentration is notably higher than many energy drinks available, with 200 mg per 12-ounce can. This is considerably more than the 80 mg found in an 8.4-ounce can of Red Bull and the 160 mg in a 17-ounce can of Monster. Guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration recommend that healthy adults limit their caffeine intake to 400 mg daily, while children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 should consume less than 100 mg.
Rodriguez was reportedly influenced by social media when she began consuming Alani Nu, drawn by its promoted health benefits. “At first, her interest stemmed from social media,” said Agosto. Over time, her daily consumption increased, often exceeding one can a day, particularly during school and sports activities.
The lawsuit claims that Alani Nu actively targets young women and minors through social media marketing, portraying the drink as a health and lifestyle beverage without offering sufficient warnings about potential risks and consumption limits. The family’s aim with this lawsuit is to ensure that no other family endures a similar tragedy.
In 2023, the Canadian government recalled Alani Nu due to labeling violations related to caffeine content. Agosto mentioned that the family hopes this legal action prevents future incidents, highlighting their loss and desire for improved safety measures in the industry.
