“There’s no warnings”: Texas family files $1 million lawsuit after teen athlete with no prior condition dies, alleging popular energy drink “overstimulated her heart”

Attorney B. Agosto Jr. announced the filing of the wrongful death lawsuit against Glazer’s Beer and Beverage during a press conference. The case argues that the distributor failed to properly warn consumers—especially minors—about the serious cardiac risks linked to the drink.

Rodriguez, described by her family as active, driven, and full of promise, had no known history of heart disease. She was both a cheerleader and a tennis player, balancing school, athletics, and future plans that included acceptance into nearly 20 universities. Her sudden death in October 2025 left her family searching for answers.

According to Agosto, the medical examiner determined that Rodriguez died from an enlarged heart caused by “stress and large amounts of caffeine.” Toxicology reports further confirmed that there were no drugs or alcohol in her system at the time, narrowing the focus to caffeine exposure over time. “The medical examiner did not say in her report that she died because she drank caffeine that day,” Agosto explained. “It’s because of the continuous drinking of caffeine.”

Questions over warnings and marketing

At the center of the lawsuit is not just the product itself, but how it was presented to consumers. The family alleges that Rodriguez began drinking at least one Alani Nu energy drink per day, each containing 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. They claim she was influenced by social media marketing that promoted the drinks as beneficial for energy and performance.

While the product does include a label stating it is not recommended for children, the lawsuit argues that this warning falls far short of clearly communicating the potential for serious harm. The legal filing claims that the packaging does not adequately warn consumers about the risk of what it describes as lethal overstimulation of the heart. Rodriguez’s mother, Jennifer, expressed that frustration in direct terms. “There’s no warnings, there’s nothing on there that says, ‘Hey, if you drink this, you’re going to be overstimulating your heart,’” she said.

The case raises broader concerns about how energy drinks are marketed and whether current labeling standards are enough, especially when products are widely seen and promoted on platforms used heavily by young people.

Company response and broader implications

Celsius Inc., the parent company behind Alani Nu, responded to the lawsuit by expressing sympathy for the Rodriguez family while standing by its current practices. The company stated that its products meet all federal guidelines and emphasized that it does not market to individuals under the age of 18. “Alani Nu energy drinks disclose 200mg of caffeine on the can, and the label states the product is not recommended for children,” the company said in its statement.

Still, the lawsuit reflects growing scrutiny around the energy drink industry and its impact on young consumers. With high caffeine levels becoming more common in widely available beverages, health experts and families alike are questioning whether enough is being done to protect those most at risk.

Agosto indicated that the legal team is continuing to investigate and may expand the case to include additional parties as more details come to light. For the Rodriguez family, however, the lawsuit is about more than financial compensation. They say their goal is to push for greater transparency and stronger warnings, hoping that no other family will have to experience a similar loss.

The case now moves forward in court, where it is expected to draw significant attention—not only for the tragic story at its center but also for the broader questions it raises about responsibility, safety, and the hidden risks that may come with everyday products.