Family of cheerleader, 17, blame popular energy drink for her death in new lawsuit
The family of a teenager have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the distributors of an energy drink company.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez - whose family say had no pre-existing heart problems - died in October from an enlarged heart caused by ingesting large amounts of caffeine, according to the lawsuit filed last week.
It states that the cheerleader consumed 'one or more Alani Nu Energy Drinks', which contain 200mg of caffeine per 12-fluid-ounce can in the US, in 'the days leading up to' her death on or about 20 October 2025.
By comparison, an average 12-ounce cup of coffee can contain anywhere between 113mg to 247mg of caffeine, according to Healthline.
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Children and teens between the ages of 12 and 18 are advised to only drink 100mg of caffeine per day.
“Following her consumption of Alani Nu Energy Drinks, Larissa Rodriguez suffered a fatal cardiac event,” read the legal documents.
“The Hidalgo County Medical Examiner determined that Larissa Rodriguez’s cause of death was cardiomyopathy caused by excessive caffeine consumption.”
Benny Agosto Jr., the family attorney, said at a news conference that the Hidalgo County medical examiner determined that her cause of death 'was an enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine'.
He argued that the drink 'had inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks that this product brings'.
“It was very common for her to get up in the morning, go to school and have an Alani or be in sports activities and have an Alani,” Agosto, who claims Rodriguez had at least one energy drink a day, said.
“We have pictures and videos of her playing sports and her and her classmates, as well as other friends, drinking Alani or other energy drinks.”
The lawsuit notes that the label reading 'not recommended for children under 18, those sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women' is 'printed in small, inconspicuous text that is easily overlooked and wholly inadequate to warn consumers of serious risks of cardiac injury and death'.
Rodriguez’s family added that Alani Nu's marketing is 'particularly deceptive' as a 'healthy, active lifestyle' drink while 'concealing the substantial cardiac and neurological risks associated with its concentrated caffeine and stimulant ingredients'.
Rodriguez's family are suing distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and are seeking $1 million in damages.
Celsius Inc., which owns Alani Nu, said that it is 'saddened by this loss, and our thoughts are with the family. “We take product safety seriously and believe consumers should have clear information about what they are drinking,” a statement read.
“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.
“Our products comply with applicable federal labeling requirements, and our policy is not to market or sample to anyone under 18, consistent with those label warnings.”
How does drinking caffeine affect the heart?
Cardiology professor Jeffrey Southard and dietitian for cardiology Margaret Junker told UC Davis Health that caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure for some people.
That's because it releases noradrenaline and norepinephrine within the body.
But they add: "Many individuals do not see an increase in heart rate with caffeine intake, especially those who drink caffeinated beverages routinely. For them, there is no inherent medical risk in consuming caffeine."
The danger is primarily for people who already have heart issues, particularly atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular, rapid heart rate.
Adults can drink up to 400mg of caffeine per day, according to the FDA. The amount of caffeine in different products can vary, so it's important to check the label.
LADbible Group has contacted Alani Nu Energy Drinks and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage for comment.
Topics: US News
Anish Vij