University of Pennsylvania student dies after drinking Panera Bread's 'charged lemonade', claims lawsuit

A tragic incident unfolded as a college student, suffering from a heart condition, tragically lost her life after consuming a highly caffeinated beverage from Panera Bread. In a lawsuit brought forth on Monday, the parents of the University of Pennsylvania student allege that she likely assumed the drink was safe regarding caffeine content.

The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, recounts the events of September 10, 2022, when the student collapsed hours after consuming a beverage known as "charged lemonade" from Panera Bread. The dire situation escalated as she experienced cardiac arrest, leading to her hospitalization, where she faced another cardiac arrest and ultimately passed away.

The lawsuit points out that the company failed to provide adequate warnings to customers regarding the potential hazards associated with Charged Lemonade. Furthermore, it alleges that the drink was misleadingly marketed as "clean," despite the large size containing more caffeine than a 12-ounce Red Bull and a 16-ounce Monster Energy Drink combined.


The student, identified as Sarah Katz, was 21 years old at the time she consumed Panera's Charged Lemonade in September 2022, which tragically led to her demise. Katz had been diagnosed with Long QT Type 1 Syndrome, a heart condition that impacts the electrical system governing one's heartbeat. According to the lawsuit, she had been managing the condition since the age of 5, adhering to daily medication and avoiding highly caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks.

FAQs

Q1. Did the student die due to 'lemonade'?
A1. The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, recounts the events of September 10, 2022, when the student collapsed hours after consuming a beverage known as "charged lemonade" from Panera Bread. The dire situation escalated as she experienced cardiac arrest, leading to her hospitalization, where she faced another cardiac arrest and ultimately passed away.

Q2. Who is the deceased student?
A2. The student, identified as Sarah Katz, was 21 years old at the time she consumed Panera's Charged Lemonade in September 2022, which tragically led to her demise.