WESLACO, Texas — The family of a 17-year-old Texas cheerleader has filed a wrongful death lawsuit after their daughter died from what a medical examiner determined was an enlarged heart caused by excessive caffeine consumption from a popular energy drink.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, a senior at Weslaco High School, passed away in October 2025. She was described by her family’s attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., as a bright, active teenager who played tennis, served as a cheerleader, student council president, and had been accepted into nearly 20 colleges and universities, including the University of Texas at Austin.
According to Agosto, the Hidalgo County medical examiner determined that Rodriguez’s cause of death was cardiomyopathy — an enlarged heart — caused by stress and excessive caffeine consumption. Extensive testing ruled out drugs and alcohol, with only caffeine found in her system.
A photo of Larissa Nicole Rodriguez.
Credit : Salinas Funeral Home
The lawsuit targets Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas, distributors of the popular Alani Nu energy drink, which Rodriguez reportedly consumed at least once daily in the months leading up to her death. Each 12-ounce can of Alani Nu contains 200 milligrams of caffeine — double the maximum daily amount recommended for teenagers, which is 100 milligrams.
The family’s lawsuit claims the product carried inadequate warnings about its cardiac risks and was aggressively marketed to young women and teenagers through social media influencers, colorful packaging, and wellness branding. “Nobody’s warning. Nobody’s warning that’s a danger. And unfortunately, we now learn that that’s what took her life,” Agosto said.
Celsius Inc., which owns Alani Nu, said it is saddened by the loss and noted its products comply with federal labeling requirements, with the can stating it is not recommended for children under 18.
A photo of Larissa Nicole Rodriguez.
Salinas Funeral Home
The family is seeking over $1 million in damages. Parents across the Caribbean and beyond are being urged to take note — energy drinks marketed as healthy lifestyle beverages may carry serious, even fatal, risks for young people.
