Texas Teen Cheerleader's Sudden Death Leads to Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Family files lawsuit against energy drink distributors after 17-year-old's fatal caffeine overdose

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:36am

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An extreme close-up X-ray image revealing the internal structure of an energy drink can, with the high caffeine content and stimulants visible as glowing, ghostly lines against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption.The family's lawsuit alleges the high caffeine content and undisclosed stimulants in the energy drink Alani Nu contributed to the tragic death of their teenage daughter.Denton Today

Larissa Rodriguez, a high-achieving 17-year-old cheerleader from Weslaco, Texas, passed away unexpectedly in October 2025. Months later, a wrongful death lawsuit revealed the cause - an enlarged heart due to excessive caffeine consumption from the energy drink Alani Nu, which she had been drinking daily. Her family is now speaking out to warn others about the dangers of high-caffeine beverages, especially for teenagers.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the risks of energy drink consumption, especially for young people whose bodies may not be able to handle the high levels of caffeine. It also raises questions about the marketing and labeling of these products, which may downplay the potential health hazards. The lawsuit could set an important precedent for holding energy drink companies accountable for the safety of their products.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Larissa had been drinking one 12-ounce can of Alani Nu energy drink nearly every day in the year leading up to her death. Each can contains 200mg of caffeine, double the recommended daily limit for teenagers. The medical examiner found no other drugs or underlying health conditions, concluding that Larissa's enlarged heart and fatal cardiac event were directly caused by the excessive caffeine consumption. The lawsuit alleges that Alani Nu's marketing, which featured young influencers, contradicted the product's warning label advising against use by minors.

  • Larissa Rodriguez passed away on October 20, 2025.
  • The wrongful death lawsuit was filed on April 8, 2026.

The players

Larissa Rodriguez

A 17-year-old high school cheerleader from Weslaco, Texas, who passed away unexpectedly in October 2025.

Alicia Rodriguez

Larissa's mother, who is representing the family in the wrongful death lawsuit against the energy drink distributors.

Benny Agosto Jr.

The attorney representing the Rodriguez family in the lawsuit.

Glazer's Beer and Beverage

The defendant named in the lawsuit, accused of distributing the allegedly dangerous energy drink Alani Nu.

Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas

The other defendant named in the lawsuit, also accused of distributing the allegedly dangerous energy drink Alani Nu.

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What they’re saying

“The medical examiner did 100 different tests, all negative, and the only finding was caffeine and the heart swollen.”

— Benny Agosto Jr., Attorney

“Never would I think that I would be in this situation, that my family would be in this situation. This is the hardest thing that I've ever gone through in my life.”

— Alicia Rodriguez, Larissa's mother

What’s next

The judge will set a hearing date for the wrongful death lawsuit in the coming weeks. The energy drink distributors named as defendants have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of high-caffeine energy drinks, especially for young people whose bodies may not be able to handle the intense stimulant effects. It also raises important questions about the marketing and labeling of these products, which may downplay the health risks. The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the energy drink industry and consumer safety.