The family of a 17-year-old Texas beauty queen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that excessive caffeine in energy drinks led to the teenager’s fatal cardiac event. Larissa Rodriguez, a rising star in pageantry, died on October 20, 2025, after consuming at least one 12-ounce can of Alani Nu Energy Drink, according to court documents.

Authorities reported that Rodriguez’s cause of death was cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle, which was attributed to high caffeine intake. The lawsuit claims that both the energy drink manufacturer, Alani Nu, and the Texas retailer that sold the product failed to adequately warn the teenager about the potential dangers associated with consuming the beverage.

The family contends that the amount of caffeine in the energy drinks was “unreasonably dangerous,” arguing that the product’s labeling did not provide sufficient information regarding the health risks, especially for minors. The complaint seeks to hold the company and retailer responsible for what it describes as negligence leading to Larissa’s untimely death.

Alani Nu Energy Drinks and the retailer have not publicly responded to the allegations. It remains unclear whether the companies will dispute the claims or offer a defense related to the caffeine content or labeling standards. Energy drink manufacturers typically face ongoing scrutiny about the safety of their products, particularly concerning caffeine levels and the risks posed to younger consumers.

Larissa Rodriguez’s death highlights broader concerns about the regulation and consumption of energy drinks by teenagers, a demographic that health experts often caution may be especially vulnerable to stimulants. Cardiomyopathy caused by caffeine is considered rare but serious, raising questions about how caffeine consumption guidelines are communicated and enforced.

The case is expected to draw attention to the responsibilities of both manufacturers and retailers in preventing excessive caffeine exposure, particularly among minors, and may contribute to ongoing discussions about product safety standards in the energy drink industry.