A new lawsuit filed in Nevada has raised serious concerns about the safety of bottled water products after a family claimed a woman developed ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, from drinking contaminated water sold at major retail stores. The lawsuit accuses bottled water company Real Water of selling products that allegedly contained hydrazine, a toxic chemical commonly used in rocket fuel.
Nevada Family Files Lawsuit Over Bottled Water and ALS Death
The family of Addie Coggs, a 49-year-old woman from Las Vegas, has filed a lawsuit claiming that contaminated bottled water caused her to develop ALS and eventually led to her death in 2019.
According to the complaint, Coggs regularly consumed Real Water products that were reportedly purchased from stores including Costco and WinCo Foods.
The lawsuit alleges that the bottled water secretly contained hydrazine, a dangerous chemical known for its toxic effects on the human body.
What Is ALS?
ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a serious neurological condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
The disease slowly destroys muscle control over time and can affect a person’s ability to:
- Walk
- Speak
- Swallow
- Move
- Breathe
There is currently no cure for ALS, and the disease is considered fatal.
According to the family’s legal complaint, Coggs had no known exposure to other chemicals or conditions commonly linked to ALS before her diagnosis.
Lawsuit Claims Rocket Fuel Chemical Was Found in Water
The lawsuit claims that Real Water products contained hydrazine, a chemical used in rocket fuel and military aircraft systems.
Hydrazine is widely known as a toxic substance that can damage the liver and affect the nervous system.
According to the complaint, the chemical may have formed during the company’s water treatment process. Attorneys claim the company used electrical charges on titanium tubes while processing water containing minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Experts mentioned in the lawsuit believe this process may have created hydrazine contamination inside the bottled water.
FDA Investigation Led to Company Shutdown
In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigated Real Water and found serious safety concerns related to its manufacturing process.
The FDA stated that the company failed to meet proper safety controls required for food and beverage production.
Following the investigation, Real Water agreed to stop operations in June 2021.
Family Says Contaminated Water Caused Death
The lawsuit directly links the alleged contamination to Coggs’ illness and death.
Her family claims that:
| Claim | Details |
|---|---|
| Product consumed | Real Water bottled water |
| Alleged toxin | Hydrazine |
| Health condition | ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) |
| Outcome | Death in 2019 |
| Retail stores mentioned | Costco and WinCo Foods |
The complaint also includes photos that reportedly show Real Water products inside Coggs’ home before her diagnosis.
Dozens of Other Lawsuits Already Filed
According to the lawsuit, many other people have also reported severe health problems after drinking Real Water products.
The filing claims more than 90 lawsuits have already been filed involving injuries such as:
- Liver failure
- Deaths
- Planned liver transplants
- Brain surgery cases
- Miscarriages
- ICU hospitalizations
Attorneys involved in the case say hydrazine exposure has been linked to liver damage and neurological conditions.
Attorney Speaks About The Case
Attorney Will Kemp, who represents the family, described the case as heartbreaking and called ALS a devastating disease.
He also stated that hydrazine is the same chemical used in certain rocket fuels and military systems.
Kemp claims the chemical’s toxic nature is well documented and argues that the contaminated water may have harmed many consumers in Nevada.
Investigation and Legal Battle Continue
The lawsuit against Real Water and related companies is ongoing. Costco has reportedly settled some lawsuits connected to Real Water products in the past, though no findings of liability have been announced in this case.
The legal proceedings are expected to continue as more evidence and expert testimony are reviewed.
The case has once again sparked public debate over bottled water safety, manufacturing standards, and the responsibility companies have to protect consumers from hidden health risks.
