Spring Hill High School (South Carolina)
Davis Cripe
Collapse and death
On April 26, 2017, 16-year-old Spring Hill High School student Davis Cripe collapsed in his classroom around 2:30 pm. He died later that day in the emergency room at Palmetto Health Parkridge Hospital from cardiac arrhythmia, a type of heart failure, caused by his extreme caffeine intake. Reportedly, Cripe had consumed a large diet Mountain Dew, a cafe latte from McDonalds, and an energy drink that morning. His coroner said that "based on his weight, the intake of caffeine that he had exceeded what is considered a safe level."
Aftermath
Cripe's hobbies as a drummer and guitarist inspired Spring Hill High School to dedicate a music room to Cripe and an annual, music-filled celebration of life called Live Life Loud.
Two years after Cripe's death, bill H.4352 was filed by Representative Leon Howard and Representative Chip Huggins. It proposed to "Provide a civil penalty for persons who furnish energy drinks to minors." Cripe's parents, Sean and Heidi Cripe, vocal supported and advocated for the passing of this bill, saying,"It'll be huge. Not only for our son Davis but knowing that here on out other kids will be protected." As of 2021, the bill has not been passed.