A family in Texas has initiated legal proceedings following the death of a teenage girl, alleging that frequent consumption of energy drinks contributed to her fatal cardiac condition. The case has drawn attention to the potential health risks of high caffeine intake, particularly among adolescents.
High caffeine intake can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and in some individuals, especially those with underlying or undiagnosed cardiac conditions, excessive stimulant consumption may trigger serious complications.
The deceased was Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a 17-year-old high school cheerleader from Weslaco, Texas. According to People, the family of the teenager has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against distributors of an energy drink brand.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, April 8, attorney Benny Agosto Jr., who represents the family of 17-year-old Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, stated that legal action has been filed in Hidalgo County District Court. The lawsuit names the energy drink brand Alani Nu and its distributor Glazer’s Beer and Beverage as defendants.
The teenager’s death occurred in South Texas in 2024. Following this, the family filed a lawsuit in 2025, alleging that the energy drink consumption played a significant role in the medical outcome.
The family, through their legal representative, claims that prolonged intake of high-caffeine energy drinks contributed to the development of the teen’s heart condition. They also allege that the product did not provide sufficient warnings regarding the possible health risks, particularly for younger individuals.
Agosto stated that, in the year prior to her death, Larissa had begun consuming Alani Nu energy drinks, at least one daily, after being influenced by social media content promoting the beverage’s perceived health benefits and energy-boosting effects, as per NBC News and Fox 8.
These beverages can contain high levels of caffeine, with some products providing about 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, along with other stimulants such as taurine and guarana, which may amplify their physiological effects.
The medical examiner did not say in her report that she died because she drank caffeine that day. It’s because of the continuous drinking of caffeine.Benny Agosto Jr.,Attorney
As reported by Fox 8, Larissa Rodriguez’s mother, Jennifer Rodriguez said,
There’s no warnings, there’s nothing on there that says, ‘Hey, if you drink this, you’re going to be overstimulating your heart.Jennifer Rodriguez, Larissa Rodriguez’s mother
Celsius Inc., the parent company of the brand, said in a statement to NBC News that it was saddened by the loss and extended its condolences to the family.
We take product safety seriously and believe consumers should have clear information about what they are drinking. Alani Nu energy drinks disclose 200mg of caffeine on the can, and the label states the product is not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, or women who are nursing.Celsius Inc., The Parent Company of the Brand Alani Nu
Agosto stated that the medical examiner’s findings indicated no presence of drugs or alcohol in Larissa’s system at the time of her death, and that there was no known family history of heart disease.
Medical evaluations cited by the family’s legal team indicate cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to enlargement of the heart, linked to excessive caffeine intake, according to the medical examiner. This condition can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and may increase the risk of arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest.
What ultimately they want is that this doesn’t happen to a single child. If they can save one life, that’s what they want. If they can change the industry so that there’s better protections and warnings for kids, that’s what they want.Benny Agosto Jr.,Attorney
The lawsuit is currently under legal review, and no final conclusions have been reached regarding the claims made by the family. Investigations into the exact cause of death and contributing factors are ongoing.
Energy drinks have been under scrutiny for their high caffeine content, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against caffeine consumption in children and adolescents, citing potential risks including cardiovascular effects, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
(Rh/SS/MSM)