FILE (Getty Images)
ELGIN, Okla. - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the recent death of a teacher and mother of three after her family claims she consumed a beverage at a Mexican restaurant that contained an industrial cleaning solution.
An OSBI spokesperson confirmed to FOX Television Stations that the agency is looking into the incident.
The backstory:
According to KWTV, Holly Hill's family said that the 30-year-old visited Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill on Valentine’s Day in 2023.
The family told the outlet that a second margarita that was served to Hill contained an industrial cleaning solution. She died following two years of health complications.
The family said Hill made several trips to the emergency room, saying her esophagus was badly damaged from chemical burns.
What they're saying:
"Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right," her mother told the outlet. "She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, started rinsing her mouth out with water."
"The number one thing that we really want at this point, and out of this, is we want people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them," she added. "We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life; because they did. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause."
Elgin Police confirmed the OSBI investigation on Facebook:
The Elgin Police Department has been in daily contact with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and has received guidance from the District Attorney. The OSBI will initiate an initial inquiry into this matter and will be assisted by the Elgin Police Department. The OSBI will be the lead agency in this matter. Holly's family has been notified, and we ask the community to be patient and respectful to the family.
The other side:
The restaurant recently posted a message regarding the incident on its Facebook page:
Everyone at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Holly Hill. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family, friends, and the entire Elgin community during this time. Out of respect for Holly and her family, the restaurant was voluntarily closed on October 27 and 28. The incident that occurred at our restaurant in February 2023 was an unfortunate and isolated event. At that time, we took several steps to help prevent any recurrence. In consultation with the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, we implemented new staff training and procedural safeguards that remain in effect. The individuals involved in that 2023 incident were terminated and have not been employed by or associated with Las Margaritas. The civil matter relating to that incident was resolved earlier this year. Las Margaritas continues to welcome our patrons with care, responsibility, and attention to their wellbeing.
FOX Television Stations has reached out to the restaurant for comment.
What's next:
No word on when the OSBI will conclude its investigation.
The Source: Information in this story comes from statements provided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Elgin Police Department, as well as reports from KWTV in Oklahoma City. Additional details were shared by the family of Holly Hill, and the restaurant, Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill, through posts on their official Facebook pages. This story was reported from Los Angerles.