A mother of three has tragically passed away two years after consuming a margarita cocktail that was reportedly tainted with “industrial cleaner.”
Holly Hill, aged 30, was on a Valentine’s Day outing at a Mexican bar in 2023 when she ingested the margarita unknowingly.
Shortly after taking a sip of the drink, Holly hurried to the restroom feeling unwell. “Her mouth was burning, and she sensed something was wrong,” stated Kelly Hunter, her mother, to News 9.
“She immediately got up and rushed to the bathroom, vomited, and began rinsing her mouth with water.” Holly’s family alleged that her second margarita of the evening contained “industrial cleaning solution.”
The purported harmful chemical caused extensive damage to Holly’s throat and esophagus, leading her to undergo multiple medical procedures over the span of two years.
Her mother mentioned that the “hole in her esophagus had not completely healed, but showed some improvement and reduced inflammation.”
Holly had to rely on tube feeding and was getting ready for a swallow assessment. Unfortunately, after facing complications, Holly tragically passed away last Thursday.
Just before her demise, Holly had undergone another surgical procedure, but her health deteriorated suddenly. “While they were preparing to transfer her, she lost her pulse,” expressed her mother.
Paying tribute to Holly, a cherished educator at Elgin Public Schools, it was stated: “Throughout the past two and a half years, Holly bravely faced a challenging medical journey while continuing to teach and care for her family.”
A teacher from her school described the loss as “unthinkable” and stated in a message: “Holly was a devoted teacher, Elgin Alumni, and beloved mother and wife.”
Holly’s family holds Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin, Oklahoma, accountable and filed a lawsuit against them before reaching a confidential settlement earlier this year.
Kelly, her mother, voiced: “We demand accountability for the loss of my daughter’s life; because they are responsible. It may have been a lengthy battle, but ultimately, they are at fault.”
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation. Acting Elgin Police Chief Ralph Parsons revealed that the department, collaborating with the Comanche County District Attorney, requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to take charge, as reported by The Sun.
Parsons stated that state investigators “will commence a preliminary inquiry into this matter with support from the Elgin Police Department.”
While the restaurant has not yet commented on Holly’s passing, they posted on social media in May 2023. They expressed: “We deeply regret what occurred … in our ten-year history, we have never encountered a situation like this, a situation that should never have happened.”
Holly’s family remains steadfast in seeking justice. “Our primary objective at this point is to raise awareness about what took place at that establishment and to stop supporting them,” emphasized Kelly.