Oklahoma teacher served laced drink dies 2 years later

(NewsNation) — A school teacher in Oklahoma has died after her family says she was served a margarita containing industrial cleaner at a restaurant in 2023.

The family of Holly Hill says the mother of three died this month, more than two years after she was served the drink at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin, Oklahoma. Hill's mother, Kelly Hunter, told local news outlet KWTV her daughter had suffered chemical burns from the drink.

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

Hunter said Hill had undergone dozens of procedures to address damage to her esophagus, but severe complications arose earlier this month, shortly before she died. According to the outlet, the family filed a civil lawsuit against the restaurant in 2023.

“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,” Hunter said. “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.” 

In a statement October 24, the Elgin Police Department said it will be assisting the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation as an initial inquiry into Hill’s death is made. Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact the department.