RE: Did a 16 year old Really Die from a Caffeine Overdose?
In theory it is possible but unlikely. Most deaths attributed to caffeine often involve combination with other drugs (often stimulants) and sometimes an existing cardiac issue (e.g. ectopic tissue that may predispose to rhythm issues). Also it is less likely in regular coffee drinkers due to tolerance. Certain medications like theophylline and other asthma medications can interact with it too.
Edit: Most case reports of caffeine related deaths I have seen involve the use of depressants like alcohol in combination with it. This can lead to people drinking too much as the caffeine seems to initially give the impression of blocking the depressant effects (as it may peak faster than alcohol levels). The drinker then continues to drink and can end up taking in fatal levels of the alcohol.
That was pretty much my conclusion/tl;dr. The doctors said he didn't have any prior "diagnosed health issues" (which could've existed, just not found) but I'd also be curious of the role ingredients beyond caffeine in the energy drink (even though we don't know which one) may have played.
Even putting the latte, soda and energy drink caffeine levels at the high ends of the range, it still wouldn't be too far outside the 'safe limits.' The news stories definitely seemed to be missing some important information and wanting to focus too much on the caffeine itself.
Yes I suspect he probably had an undiagnosed heart rhythm issue. Under normal circumstances it would have no effect but he was likely just unlucky.
Agreed. I definitely think that's a more likely cause versus the pure caffeine.