BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Red Bull has been named in an $85 million lawsuit alleging that the beverage led to the death of Cory Terry of Brooklyn, N.Y., who suffered a heart attack after consuming the energy drink.
The beverage contains "extra stimulants that make it different than a cup of coffee," lawyer Ilya Novofastovsky contended, according to a report by The New York Daily News. 'They are more dangerous than what Red Bull lets on."
"We do not comment on particular legal matters," company spokesperson Patrice Radden told CSP Daily News; however, the company provided this statement: "An 8.4-fluid-ounce can of Red Bull Energy Drink contains 80mg of caffeine, about the equivalent amount of caffeine as a cup of home-brewed coffee. Red Bull Energy Drink is available in more than 165 countries because health authorities across the world have concluded that Red Bull Energy Drink is safe to consume. More than five billion cans were consumed last year and about 35 billion cans since Red Bull was created more than 25 years ago."
Red Bull in a product of Red Bull GmbH of Austria and Red Bull North America Inc., Santa Monica, Calif.
Terry, 33, died during a basketball game after consuming the beverage, the report said, and his relatives are blaming the world's largest energy drink maker. Their $85 million lawsuit, to be filed Monday, is believed to be the first wrongful death suit against Red Bull.
The complaint mentions nine fatalities worldwide that have been linked to Red Bull and cites scientific studies that the beverage carries potential health hazards, especially for adolescents and people who exercise, the newspaper said.
Click here to view the full New York Daily News report.
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