Family makes huge accusation as mom-of-3, 30, dies two years after drinking margarita

A heartbroken family has made a huge accusation after a mom-of-three died two years after drinking a margarita which contained cleaning products.

Holly Hill, a 30-year-old third-grade teacher from Elgin, Oklahoma, tragically passed away on October 23, 2025.

Her death comes two years after she drank an alcoholic drink contaminated with industrial cleaner at the Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill on Valentine’s Day in 2023.

A woman died two years after drinking a margarita contaminated with cleaning products at a restaurant. Credit: mitchellpictures / Getty

The Horrifying Incident

On that fateful day in 2023, Hill took a sip of a margarita at the restaurant, only to immediately experience an intense burning sensation in her mouth.

“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” Hill’s mother, Kelly Hunter, recalled, per News9. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, started rinsing her mouth out with water.”

The mom later discovered that the drink she had consumed contained industrial cleaner, which caused severe chemical burns to her esophagus.

The damage was extensive, and Hill spent the next several months undergoing numerous medical procedures while continuing to work as a teacher and care for her family.

Holly Hill leaves behind a husband and three kids. Credit: Facebook

Family's Accusation: Seeking Justice

Two years after the incident, Hill’s family is holding the restaurant responsible for her death. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life; because they did,” they said. “It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause," KFox14 reported.

Her loved ones had previously filed a lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled earlier this year, but the pain of Hill's death lingers as they continue to seek justice.

Medical Struggles and Complications

After the incident, Hill’s health remained a constant concern. She underwent several medical procedures, and while her condition showed slight improvement in October 2025, her recovery was far from complete.

“For the past two and a half years, while continuing to teach and care for her family, Holly faced a long and difficult medical journey,” her obituary stated. "Through fighting to survive countless procedures, hospital stays, and uncertain days, she met each challenge with courage, faith, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone around her. Her perseverance and love were nothing short of remarkable."

Just days before her death, doctors had observed that Hill's esophagus had shown signs of healing, but unfortunately, severe complications led to her passing on October 23.

Following Hill’s passing, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was initiated by the Elgin Police Department in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

“The OSBI will initiate an initial inquiry into this matter and will be assisted by the Elgin Police Department,” said Acting Police Chief Ralph Parsons. “The OSBI will be the lead agency in this matter.”

The restaurant has not publicly commented on the investigation, but it did issue an apology in 2023, acknowledging the incident and expressing regret.

“We are very sorry for what happened … during these 10 years we have never had a situation like this, a situation that should not have occurred in the first place," they reportedly wrote, per The Sun.

Hill had many surgeries as the laced cocktail left a hole in her esophagus. Credit: Facebook/Holly Hill

As the family grapples with their loss, they are determined to ensure that the restaurant is held accountable for the actions that led to Holly’s death.

“We want people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hill's mom said.

Elgin Public Schools Superintendent Nate Meraz described the loss as “unimaginable," adding: “Holly was a dedicated teacher, Elgin Alumni, and beloved mother and wife."

Hill leaves behind her husband and three children. As the investigation continues, our thoughts remain with her loved ones during this painful time.

Featured image credit: Google Maps