More than 50 bodies were found decomposed and improperly stored at a Chicago funeral home, prompting the activation of the hazardous materials protocol and efforts to identify the remains and notify next of kin, authorities said.
Meanwhile, Illinois state officials suspended the license of one of the funeral directors, alleging that bodies were being kept in an unrefrigerated area in “deplorable conditions.”
In addition, they indicated that the owners previously managed a crematorium that was closed after the discovery of bodies stored improperly.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said it was notified by state and local officials about the improper storage of bodies at the South Chicago Chapel, and that investigators and forensic pathologists were dispatched. The remains were in different states of decomposition, according to authorities.
"Staff are evaluating the condition of the remains and seeking documentation for identification of the deceased, as well as death certificates. This process could take several days to ensure proper final disposition," the medical examiner's office stated in a statement.
No arrests have been announced, but city police said detectives are investigating.
Neighbors told local media that there was a horrible smell coming from the funeral home.
State business records show that funeral home director Johanna Morgan incorporated South Chicago Chapel Inc. in 2022 and its license was temporarily suspended Wednesday.
The state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said the license suspension was because “respondent's continued practice poses a danger to the public safety, interest and welfare by allowing several decedents to remain in an unrefrigerated area in deplorable conditions, including rodent infestation, resulting in decomposition and the presence of maggots in the bodies.”
State business records also list Clark X. Morgan as president of the funeral home. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced the revocation of Clark
The State Comptroller, Susana Mendoza, stated that many of the bodies in the crematorium were stacked and without refrigeration, as detailed by ABC News.
"Horrified. Once again," Mendoza said in a statement. "The discovery of decomposing remains, awaiting burial this week at a funeral home on the city's south side, is heartbreaking and an abomination. These are people: someone's mother, father, sister, brother, son or friend, and they deserve better."
