Texas teen's death linked to caffeine in Alani Nu, family alleges in lawsuit

The family of 17-year-old Larissa Rodriguez filed a wrongful death suit saying a Hidalgo County medical examiner ruled her cause of death was an enlarged heart tied to stress and large amounts of caffeine. The suit names beverage distributors and seeks more than $1 million in Hidalgo County District Court.

A 17-year-old Texas student, Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, died in October and her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Hidalgo County District Court. The family's attorney said the Hidalgo County medical examiner determined her cause of death was an enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine. The suit was filed Wednesday against beverage distributors and seeks more than $1 million in damages. What officials and family say: - The Hidalgo County medical examiner is reported to have determined the cause of death as an enlarged heart tied to stress and high caffeine levels. - The lawsuit names distributors Glazer's Beer and Beverage and Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas as defendants and seeks over $1 million. - The family alleges the product lacked adequate warnings and that the brand marketed heavily on social media to young people. - Alani Nu cans are reported to list 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, and the brand's owner issued a statement saying the label discloses that amount and that the product is not recommended for children. Summary: The filing makes consumer safety and labeling the central issues and the family says it hopes the suit will prevent similar harms. The case is active in Hidalgo County District Court and the family's attorney said discovery is expected to continue and additional defendants could be added.