Lawsuit Filed Against Energy Drink Distributor Over Texas Cheerleader's Death

The parents of Larissa Rodriguez, a 17-year-old high school cheerleader, are suing Glazer's Beer and Beverage over her fatal cardiac event after consuming an Alani Nu Energy Drink.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:40pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal components of an energy drink can as a ghostly, glowing outline against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the hidden dangers within.A translucent X-ray image reveals the complex internal structure of an energy drink can, highlighting the potential health risks hidden within.Edinburg Today

The parents of Larissa Rodriguez, a 17-year-old high school cheerleader and student council president in Weslaco, Texas, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against energy drink distributor Glazer's Beer and Beverage. The lawsuit claims Rodriguez suffered a fatal cardiac event after consuming an Alani Nu Energy Drink, which the medical examiner said was caused by 'cardiomyopathy caused by excessive caffeine consumption'. The lawsuit alleges the energy drink contained dangerous levels of caffeine and other stimulants that were not properly disclosed or warned about.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing concerns around the safety of energy drinks, especially for adolescents and young adults. The lawsuit alleges that Glazer's failed to adequately warn consumers about the cardiac risks associated with Alani Nu Energy Drinks, which could have contributed to this tragic death. It also raises broader questions about the regulation and marketing of energy drinks targeted at younger demographics.

The details

The lawsuit claims that Larissa Rodriguez, who planned to attend the University of Texas at Austin, bought and drank at least one Alani Nu Energy Drink from an H-E-B store shortly before her death in October. The county medical examiner determined that her death was caused by 'cardiomyopathy caused by excessive caffeine consumption'. The lawsuit alleges that the Alani Nu Energy Drink contained 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, exceeding the recommended daily intake of 100 mg of caffeine per day for adolescents. It also claims the drink contained undisclosed amounts of other stimulants like taurine, L-theanine, and guarana seed extract that 'compound the cardiac risks of the product'.

  • Larissa Rodriguez died in October.
  • The wrongful death lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Hidalgo County court.

The players

Larissa Rodriguez

A 17-year-old high school cheerleader and student council president in Weslaco, Texas, who died after consuming an Alani Nu Energy Drink.

Glazer's Beer and Beverage, LLC

The energy drink distributor that is being sued by Larissa Rodriguez's parents over her death.

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What they’re saying

“This is a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy. No family should have to bury their child because of a product that was aggressively marketed as safe while failing to adequately warn about its dangerous effects. Companies have a responsibility to protect consumers, especially young people, and we intend to hold them accountable.”

— Benny Agosto Jr., Managing partner at Abraham Watkins

What’s next

The judge will need to decide whether to allow the lawsuit against Glazer's Beer and Beverage to proceed.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for better regulation and oversight of energy drink products, especially when it comes to their marketing and labeling for young consumers. It also underscores the importance of educating the public, particularly parents and teens, about the potential health risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption.