Attorneys for the family of 17-year-old Weslaco teen Larissa Rodriguez announced a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday, alleging that a popular energy drink caused her fatal heart condition and accusing companies tied to the product of targeting young consumers without adequate warnings.
The lawsuit, led by Benny Agosto Jr. of Abraham Watkins, claims Larissa’s death last October was caused by an enlarged heart linked to prolonged caffeine consumption from Alani Nu products.
Larissa was described as an active, high-achieving teenager—a cheerleader, tennis player and honor student who had been accepted to nearly 20 colleges. Attorneys said she had no prior health issues and no history of drug or alcohol use.
The county medical examiner linked her death to cardiac stress from high caffeine intake, according to the legal team. Toxicology results showed no other substances in her system.
“She was healthy. She had a bright future,” an attorney said. “And her life was cut short.”
The lawsuit alleges Alani Nu was defectively designed and marketed, with insufficient warnings about the risks of repeated consumption — especially for young people. Attorneys argue the brand specifically targets teenage girls and young women through colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and heavy promotion on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The lawsuit also names Texas distributor Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, which supplied the drink to H-E-B stores in Hidalgo County, where Larissa purchased it, as a defendant. It alleges the company continued selling the product despite known health concerns. Attorneys said the case could expand to include additional defendants as the investigation continues.
Lawyers said the case extends beyond one teen’s death, pointing to reports of other young consumers experiencing heart, liver and kidney issues linked to energy drink use. They argue current labeling does not adequately warn consumers or parents about the risks of repeated or excessive consumption.
Larissa’s parents, Jennifer and Robert Rodriguez, attended the news conference Wednesday alongside other family members. Attorneys said the family is focused on getting answers and preventing similar tragedies.
The case is expected to move forward as attorneys seek additional evidence through the court process.