Teen's Death Linked to Excessive Energy Drink Consumption, Lawsuit Claims

Larissa Nicole Rodriguez's family files wrongful death suit against energy drink distributor Glazer's Beer and Beverage

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:23pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of an energy drink can, its internal structure glowing against a dark background, hinting at the potential dangers of high caffeine levels.An X-ray view of an energy drink can suggests the potential cardiac risks of excessive caffeine consumption, as alleged in a lawsuit over a teen's tragic death.Hidalgo Today

The family of 17-year-old Larissa Nicole Rodriguez has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against energy drink distributor Glazer's Beer and Beverage, alleging that Rodriguez's death from cardiomyopathy was caused by excessive consumption of the Alani Nu energy drink. The lawsuit claims Rodriguez drank at least one Alani Nu per day in the year leading up to her death in October 2025, and the Hidalgo County medical examiner determined her cause of death was an "enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine."

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential dangers of high-caffeine energy drinks, especially for young people whose bodies may be more sensitive to the effects. It raises concerns about the marketing and distribution of these products, which are often targeted at teenagers and young adults despite health warnings about their risks.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez was a cheerleader and tennis player who died from cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can lead to an enlarged heart. The lawsuit alleges that Alani Nu, the energy drink she was consuming, is "defectively designed, marketed and had inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks." The family's attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., claims the makers of Alani Nu marketed the product to young women using social media influencers, despite the drink containing 200mg of caffeine per can.

  • In October 2025, Larissa Nicole Rodriguez died.
  • On April 8, 2026, the Rodriguez family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Glazer's Beer and Beverage.
  • On April 9, 2026, the family's attorney held a news conference about the lawsuit.

The players

Larissa Nicole Rodriguez

A 17-year-old cheerleader and tennis player from Weslaco, Texas who died from cardiomyopathy in October 2025.

Benny Agosto Jr.

The attorney representing the Rodriguez family in the wrongful death lawsuit against Glazer's Beer and Beverage.

Glazer's Beer and Beverage

The distributor of the Alani Nu energy drink that is named in the lawsuit.

Celsius Inc.

The company that owns the Alani Nu energy drink brand.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg

A cardiologist at NYU Langone Health who commented on the potential risks of energy drinks and cardiomyopathy.

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What they’re saying

“The distributors are the ones who put it into the market here. They are aware of these things.”

— Benny Agosto Jr., Attorney for the Rodriguez family

“It's not that she drank five one day and just died, it wasn't like that. As you can see, she was a popular person, enjoyed the taste of it, enjoyed drinking it, it's part of the social aspect of being a teenager, but nobody's warning that that's a danger.”

— Benny Agosto Jr., Attorney for the Rodriguez family

“We have an active, beautiful, cheerful, sports-loving, tennis player/cheerleeader, full of life, full of love, smart, academic and with a bright future.”

— Benny Agosto Jr., Attorney for the Rodriguez family

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the potential health risks, especially for young people, of consuming high-caffeine energy drinks without proper warnings and education. It raises questions about the marketing and distribution of these products, and the need for stronger regulations and oversight to protect consumers.