dailyloe.com – A Texas family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a beverage distributor, alleging a popular energy drink caused their teenage daughter’s fatal heart condition. The lawsuit was filed in Hidalgo County District Court on Wednesday, April 10, 2026. It seeks more than $1 million in damages.
The family of 17-year-old Larissa Nicole Rodriguez claims Alani Nu energy drinks played a role in her death. Attorney Benny Agosto Jr. stated the drinks had inadequate warnings about serious cardiac risks. Rodriguez, a college-bound high school student from Weslaco, Texas, died in October.
According to the family’s attorney, the Hidalgo County medical examiner determined the cause of death. The examiner said it was an enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine. The county did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Benny Agosto Jr. said Rodriguez drank Alani Nu energy drinks often. He stated the medical examiner tested for myriad drugs and found everything negative. Agosto said there was not one trace of alcohol or anything else, only caffeine.
Agosto said Rodriguez had no pre-existing heart conditions or heart-related problems. He described her as full of life, love, smart, and academic with a bright future. Rodriguez was an active teenager who played tennis and was a cheerleader.
Her life was cut short, Agosto said at a news conference. He was surrounded by her parents and other relatives. The family is suing distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas.
Glazer’s distributes beverages in Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Celsius Inc., which owns Alani Nu, issued a statement.
Celsius Inc. said it is saddened by this loss. The company said its thoughts are with the family. The statement did not provide further comment on the ongoing legal matter.[]
Source: NBC News
