In a shocking and tragic incident, Oklahoma authorities are delving into the mysterious death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old middle school teacher. Hill reportedly died following a visit to a local Mexican restaurant where she was purportedly served an industrial-strength chemical cleaner instead of the margarita she ordered.

The Elgin Police Department has been actively collaborating with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to unravel the circumstances surrounding Hill’s untimely demise. According to their official statement, the OSBI is leading the investigation, supported by Elgin police efforts. They emphasized the importance of community patience and support for Hill’s grieving family during this difficult period.

Holly Hill’s tragic story traces back to a Valentine’s Day outing in 2023. During a dinner at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill, located approximately 70 miles from Oklahoma City, she allegedly consumed a beverage that marked the beginning of years of subsequent health issues. Her mother, Kelly Hunter, recounted the heartbreaking details of her daughter’s ordeal in a conversation with Tulsa CBS affiliate KOTV.

As the investigation progresses, authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this heartbreaking incident, seeking justice and closure for Holly Hill and her loved ones.

Hill’s mother, Kelly Hunter, spoke with Tulsa CBS affiliate KOTV about what allegedly happened to her daughter.

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

The report states that the restaurant served Hill industrial-strength degreaser in her margarita. Following the incident, she was reportedly forced to make several trips to the emergency room for medical treatment due to severe chemical burns suffered throughout her esophagus.

In the years since she allegedly ingested the chemical substance, Hill reportedly underwent dozens of surgical procedures. Her most recent surgery took place on Oct. 17, just days before her death.

“As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” her mother told KOTV.

It was not immediately clear why authorities had only just begun investigating Hill’s death.

Hill filed a civil lawsuit against the restaurant in August 2023. The case was dismissed with prejudice earlier this year after Hill and the establishment reached a confidential settlement, her personal injury attorney told KOTV.

While the restaurant has never directly addressed the situation with Hill, it did appear to allude to the situation in a 2023 Facebook post apologizing to the Elgin community.

“We are very sorry for what happened and we feel deeply since the moment it occurred because during these 10 years we have never had a situation like this, a situation that should not have occurred in the first place,” the post said. “We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support [Hill and her family] in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case. We have always tried to give back to the community and will continue to do so.”

Hill had been a teacher at Elgin Middle School since 2019. Elgin Public Schools Superintendent Nate Meraz posted about her death on Friday.

“This morning I received the unimaginable call that Holly had passed away unexpectedly,” Meraz wrote. “Holly was a dedicated teacher, Elgin Alumni, and beloved mother and wife. She was an Owl through and through and we lift her family up in prayer tonight.”