A mother of three tragically passed away two years after consuming a margarita cocktail that was reportedly contaminated with an “industrial cleaner.”
Holly Hill, aged 30, was on a Valentine’s Day outing at a Mexican bar in 2023 when she unknowingly drank the tainted margarita. Shortly after tasting the drink, Holly felt unwell and rushed to the restroom, experiencing a burning sensation in her mouth. Her mother, Kelly Hunter, recounted that Holly immediately went to the bathroom, vomited, and rinsed her mouth with water upon realizing something was wrong. According to her family, the second margarita Holly consumed that evening allegedly contained an “industrial cleaning solution.”
The suspected harmful chemical caused severe damage to Holly’s throat and esophagus, leading her to undergo multiple medical procedures over the course of two years. Although the hole in her esophagus had not fully healed, it showed signs of improvement and reduced inflammation. Holly was reliant on tube feeding and was scheduled for a swallow study. Unfortunately, complications arose, and Holly passed away the previous Thursday, following a sudden deterioration in her condition after undergoing surgery.
In a touching tribute to Holly, a respected educator at Elgin Public Schools, it was acknowledged that she had bravely faced a challenging medical battle while continuing to teach and care for her family over the past two and a half years.
A colleague at her school described the loss as “unfathomable,” emphasizing Holly’s dedication as a teacher, Elgin Alumni, and cherished mother and spouse.
Holly’s family holds Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin, Oklahoma, accountable for her tragic fate and had filed a lawsuit against them, reaching a confidential settlement earlier this year. Kelly, Holly’s mother, voiced the family’s demand for accountability, stating that the establishment was responsible for her daughter’s death.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident. Acting Elgin Police Chief Ralph Parsons disclosed that the department, in collaboration with the Comanche County District Attorney, enlisted the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to lead the inquiry.
While the restaurant has not commented on Holly’s demise, a social media post from May 2023 expressed regret over the incident, highlighting that such a situation had not occurred in the past decade.
Despite the settlement, Holly’s family remains resolute in seeking justice and raising awareness about the events at the restaurant to discourage further support for the establishment.