A mother from Oklahoma is speaking out against a restaurant that served her daughter, who tragically died two years after consuming a margarita tainted with cleaning chemicals. Kelly Hunter, 54, accuses Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill of neglecting her daughter, Holly Hill, after giving her a dangerously contaminated drink.
Holly, a third-grade teacher and mother of three, was celebrating Valentine’s Day in 2023 when she unknowingly sipped a margarita mixed with industrial-strength cleaning chemicals. This led to an immediate burning sensation in her mouth and throat.
After the incident, Holly vomited and rushed to the restroom to clean her mouth before being taken to the emergency room. Medical professionals discovered that a portion of her esophagus had been severely burned, necessitating more than 30 medical procedures for repair.
“She took one sip, and it changed everything,” her mother stated in an interview with The Post.
Holly sadly passed away recently due to ongoing complications stemming from her injuries.
Hunter issued a strong statement to the restaurant: “At the very least, they need to make sure nothing like this happens to anyone else. But honestly? I’d like to see them run out of town. I don’t feel like they deserve to be here.”
The devastating incident changed Holly from a lively, healthy individual to someone burdened with significant medical issues, her mother explained. Holly, who was once always present at her job, had to carry medical supplies and bags with her constantly.
Following Holly’s passing, Hacienda Las Margaritas released a statement on Facebook expressing their condolences and announcing a temporary closure out of respect.
According to the establishment, the employees responsible for the mishap have been dismissed, and new safety protocols have been implemented.
Their full statement reads: “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,” the statement concludes.
Despite the restaurant’s statement, Hunter remains skeptical.
“That statement is full of s***,” she stated. “They can’t take it back, but they need to be held accountable.”
The frequent hospital visits that Holly required, approximately every three weeks, cost about $80,000 per visit, leaving the family overwhelmed with medical expenses. Although the family reached a settlement with the restaurant, Hunter states it was insufficient to cover the substantial costs.
“They did nothing. They avoided us completely,” she said. “Never once did they offer to help with lost wages, gas, or anything. It’s cost us way more than it will ever cost them. My six-year-old grandson is growing up without a mom, and I had to watch my daughter die in front of me.”
Authorities report that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is still examining how the cleaning chemicals ended up in the drink.
Donations can be made to Holly’s fundraiser here.