On September 10, 2022, Michael and Jill Katz were hit with shocking news. They received a heart-wrenching phone call informing them that their beloved daughter, Sarah, had suddenly collapsed while enjoying a meal with her friends. Without wasting a single moment, the devastated couple raced from their home in New Jersey to Philadelphia, where Sarah was currently studying at college.
Sarah Katz experienced cardiac arrest and was taken to a nearby hospital. The doctors sadly informed her parents that she had another cardiac arrest and tragically passed away.
Jill Katz expressed in an interview with “Nightline” the immense and profound pain she feels due to her daughter’s death. She emphasized that this pain is not something one can simply recover from over time, as some people may suggest. According to Katz, there is no healing process, but rather a process of acclimating to the pain.
Michael Katz expressed a range of emotions, reflecting on the fact that there are no more photos to capture new memories. However, he acknowledges the abundance of cherished memories they have already created, considering themselves fortunate.
Sarah Katz, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, received a diagnosis of Long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) when she was only 5 years old. This experience inspired her to become an advocate, and at the age of 13, she started teaching CPR and defibrillator usage. Sarah’s dedication to raising awareness of heart conditions led her to become a Red Cap Ambassador for the American Heart Association. In order to prioritize her health, Sarah heeded her doctors’ advice and steered clear of high-caffeine energy drinks.
Sarah’s parents claim that they were able to identify the cause of her death.
“We had to pack up my sister’s apartment in Philadelphia,” Michael Katz explained. “During our visit, her roommate informed us that she had consumed a Charged Lemonade drink from Panera. The reason she mentioned it to us was because she was aware of the potential risks associated with highly caffeinated energy drinks that contain various other ingredients. It was her observation that helped connect the dots. The doctor later confirmed that consuming such a drink could have played a role in my sister’s condition.”
The Katz family has initiated legal action against Panera Bread Co., alleging wrongful death, negligence, and other charges. The family claims that the company neglected to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers of their product. According to the lawsuit, a 30-ounce serving of Panera’s Charged Lemonade contains more caffeine than a 12-ounce Red Bull and a 16-ounce Monster Energy Drink combined.
Panera Bread released a statement in response to Sarah Katz’s passing.
Panera expressed their deep sadness upon hearing the news of Sarah Katz’s tragic passing. As a precautionary measure, they have decided to enhance their existing caffeine disclosure for these beverages at their bakery cafes, on their website, and on the Panera app. A spokesperson for Panera shared this information with ABC News in a statement.
Panera Bread made an announcement on May 7, 2024, in response to increasing pressure, stating that they will be removing their Charged Sips drinks from the menu.
When ABC News reached out to Panera for more information about its Charged drinks, the company declined to answer specific questions. However, Panera did mention that it is currently in the process of a “menu transformation” and plans to introduce low-sugar and low-caffeine options.
The company encountered not only the lawsuit filed by the Katzes but also two other lawsuits. One was brought by the family of a Florida man who allegedly passed away after consuming three Charged Lemonades, while the other was filed by a Rhode Island woman who asserted that the beverage resulted in long-term heart problems for her.
Panera has maintained its innocence in all three cases.
According to Dr. Roshini Malaney, a cardiologist interviewed by ABC News, certain individuals should exercise caution when consuming energy drinks due to their caffeine content.
According to Malaney, a medical professional who was not involved in the Panera lawsuit and did not treat Sarah Katz, raising the heart rate can potentially result in dangerous heart rhythms that may be fatal. Additionally, caffeine has the potential to slightly prolong the time it takes for the heart to recharge. When these two factors combine, it can create a dangerous situation for individuals with underlying genetic disorders like Long QT, potentially leading to a fatal heart rhythm.
The FDA does not require energy drink labels to include any specific warnings. When Panera introduced its Charged products, the FDA reached out to the company, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the companies themselves to ensure they understand the need to inform consumers about the caffeine content in their products.
“I have encountered numerous patients, including those without genetic cardiac issues, who have experienced symptoms and abnormal heart rhythms after consuming energy drinks,” stated Dr. Malaney. “Therefore, I strongly believe that the FDA should implement labeling requirements for these products.”
Sarah Katz’s parents have a strong desire to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragic circumstances.
Michael Katz expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of their daughter, emphasizing that nothing can change the fact that she is gone. He acknowledged that no amount of effort can bring her back. However, he believed that if they can assist others and prevent them from experiencing this devastating loss, it would be worth enduring additional pain to make a positive impact.