Authorities have launched an investigation after a mother of three died two years after drinking a margarita.
Third-grade teacher Holly Hill originally drank the alcoholic beverage during a date night with her husband on Valentine’s Day, 2023.
Hill, 30, had been enjoying a meal at a Mexican restaurant in Elgin, Oklahoma, when serious problems occurred shortly after having the tequila-based cocktail.
Holly Hill remembered for ‘her kindness, her bright smile’
A touching obituary was written in tribute to Hill, which read: “Holly was the proud and devoted mother of three wonderful children: Paisley, Finn, and Brady. They were her world, her greatest joy, and the reason behind every smile. Whether cheering them on, reading bedtime stories, or simply holding them close, Holly poured her heart into motherhood.
“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.
“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.
“Holly will be remembered for her kindness, her bright smile, and the way she made every child feel seen and loved. She had a gift for spreading warmth — in her classroom, at home, and anywhere she went. To know Holly was to know compassion, laughter, and love.”
‘Her mouth was on fire’
Hill had been dining at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill when the problems began. During a date with her husband on Valentine’s Day, Hill reacted violently almost as soon as she took a drink of her cocktail.
Speaking to News 9, Hill’s mother, Kelly explained that: “Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right.”
Hill’s mother continued: “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, started rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The third-grade teacher tragically passed away in October of last year due to complications related to the incident, after enduring two-and-a-half years of severe health problems.
Investigation launched into Hill’s death
Following Hill’s untimely passing, the Elgin Police Department, working with the Comanche County District Attorney, stated that it had contacted the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation.
In a statement, Acting Police Chief Ralph Parsons explained that state investigators ‘will initiate an initial inquiry into this matter and will be assisted by the Elgin Police Department.’
Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar has yet to comment publicly on the investigation but did release an official statement on social media shortly after the incident, in 2023.
“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,” read an extract from Hacienda’s post at the time.
Hill had previously reached a confidential settlement with the restaurant after suing them for ongoing health complications, according to News 9’s reports.
What caused Hill’s death?
For over two-and-a-half years, Hill had to live with a hole in her esophagus, which required several procedures in attempts to heal the wound which had been caused by the margarita at Hacienda Las Margaritas.
Hill’s cocktail had been served containing industrial cleaner, which had burned through her esophagus.
Shortly before her death, Hill had undergone a procedure in which doctors discovered that the ‘hole in her esophagus wasn’t healed but it was a bit better and not as inflamed, so they were able to call in a pulmonologist to assist in stitching it up,’ Hill’s mother wrote on social media.
She added: “She will have to continue tube feeds for a while longer. She will have to come back in a few weeks for a swallow study with contrast to check on progress.”
Hill’s funeral was held in late October at the Elgin Schools Performing Arts Center.
In a statement after her passing, the Elgin Public Schools Superintendent Nate Meraz said: “This morning I received the unimaginable call that Holly had passed away unexpectedly. Holly was a dedicated teacher, Elgin Alumni, and beloved mother and wife.”
Hill is survived by her husband, Brandon, and their children, Paisley, Finn, and Brady.
