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Weslaco Today
By the People, for the People
Texas Teen Beauty Queen Dies After Consuming 'Unreasonably Dangerous' Energy Drink
Lawsuit blames Alani Nu Energy Drink for 17-year-old's fatal cardiac event
Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:18am
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An X-ray image reveals the hidden cardiac damage caused by the high caffeine content in the energy drink that led to a young woman's tragic death.Weslaco TodayThe family of Larissa Rodriguez, a rising Texas beauty queen, is suing Alani Nu Energy Drinks and a Texas retailer for the 17-year-old's death, which they claim was caused by the 'unreasonably dangerous' amount of caffeine in the energy drink she consumed before suffering a fatal cardiac event.
Why it matters
This case highlights growing concerns about the potential health risks of energy drinks, especially for young consumers, and the need for clearer labeling and warnings about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption.
The details
According to the lawsuit, Larissa Rodriguez, a high school senior and co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, suffered a 'fatal cardiac event' on October 20, 2025, after consuming at least one 12-ounce can of Alani Nu Energy Drink. Officials ruled that she died from cardiomyopathy, a serious heart disease, caused by excessive caffeine consumption. The lawsuit alleges that the Alani Nu Energy Drink was 'designed and formulated such that it could cause cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death in consumers, especially children, adolescents, and caffeine-sensitive individuals.' The lawsuit also claims that the warning label on the Alani Nu can is 'small, inconspicuous text that is easily overlooked and wholly inadequate to warn consumers of the serious risks of cardiac injury and death.'
- Larissa Rodriguez died on October 20, 2025.
- The lawsuit was filed in Hidalgo County District Court in 2026.
The players
Larissa Rodriguez
A 17-year-old Texas high school senior, co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, and a rising beauty queen who won the inaugural Junior Miss Weslaco title and the Miss Texas Onion Fest 2024.
Jennifer and Roberto Rodriguez
The parents of Larissa Rodriguez, who filed the wrongful death lawsuit against Alani Nu Energy Drinks and the Texas retailer that sold the beverages to their daughter.
Alani Nu Energy Drinks
The energy drink company founded by fitness influencer Katy Hearn, which is accused of designing and formulating an 'unreasonably dangerous' product that contributed to Larissa Rodriguez's death.
What they’re saying
“The Alani Nu Energy Drink was designed and formulated such that it could cause cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death in consumers, especially children, adolescents, and caffeine-sensitive individuals.”
— Jennifer and Roberto Rodriguez, Parents of Larissa Rodriguez
“Critically, it does not warn against excessive caffeine consumption.”
— Jennifer and Roberto Rodriguez, Parents of Larissa Rodriguez
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on the admissibility of the lawsuit and whether Alani Nu and the Texas retailer will face trial.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and clearer labeling on energy drinks, especially those marketed towards young consumers, to prevent similar incidents and protect public health.
