Panera Bread settles first wrongful death lawsuit involving Penn student

Panera Bread has settled a lawsuit with the family of Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student who died in September 2022 after allegedly drinking Charged Lemonade, a highly caffeinated drink from the food chain.

Sarah, 21, who was diagnosed with a heart condition at a young age, was said to have consumed a 30-ounce Charged Lemonade, then went into cardiac arrest hours later and eventually died.

Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Panera on October 23, 2023. The settlement was reached days before the trial was scheduled to begin, with jury selection to take place this week.

The claim filed by the Katz family is the first of four similar lawsuits lodged against the popular eatery and their Charged Lemonade, which has been discontinued in the wake of the controversy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PHL17.com.