Lawsuit Filed Against Energy Drink Distributor
The family of Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a 17-year-old from Weslaco, Texas, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, a distributor of Alani Nu energy drinks. The lawsuit alleges that Rodriguez died in October from an enlarged heart caused by ingesting large amounts of caffeine.
The family of Larissa Nicole Rodriguez has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging their 17-year-old daughter died from an enlarged heart caused by ingesting large amounts of caffeine from Alani Nu energy drinks, claiming "inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks."
Teen's Death Sparks Wrongful Death Claim
The Hidalgo County medical examiner determined Rodriguez's cause of death was "an enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine." The family's attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., stated that Rodriguez had no pre-existing heart conditions, and toxicology tests revealed only caffeine in her system.
The lawsuit, filed in Hidalgo County District Court, claims that Alani Nu energy drinks had "inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks" and seeks over $1 million in damages.
Company Responses and Product Information
Glazer’s Beer and Beverage has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
Celsius Inc., the owner of Alani Nu, stated that it is "saddened by this loss" and takes product safety seriously. The company highlighted that Alani Nu energy drinks disclose 200mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can and carry a label warning that the product is not recommended for children, caffeine-sensitive individuals, pregnant, or nursing women. Celsius also stated its products comply with federal labeling requirements and its policy is not to market or sample to anyone under 18. Celsius Inc. is not currently a defendant in the lawsuit but may be added as discovery progresses.
Caffeine Content and Marketing Practices
Alani Nu drinks contain 200 mg of caffeine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a total daily maximum of 400 mg for healthy adults, and less than 100 mg per day for children and teenagers aged 12 to 17. By comparison, an 8.4-ounce Red Bull contains 80 mg of caffeine, and a 17-ounce Monster contains 160 mg.
The lawsuit alleges that Alani Nu targets young women and minors through social media, advertising the drink as a wellness and lifestyle beverage without adequate warnings or consumption limits. Rodriguez reportedly consumed at least one Alani Nu daily, influenced by social media promotions.
Previous Actions and Family's Goal
In 2023, the government of Canada issued a recall for Alani Nu due to non-compliance related to caffeine content and labeling issues.
The family stated their hope for the lawsuit is to prevent similar tragedies and encourage changes in the industry to provide better protections and warnings for minors.