Remains of 56 people found decomposing at Chicago funeral home

Authorities discovered the decomposing remains of 56 people at South Chicago Chapel on Thursday. The funeral home is operated by a couple previously linked to a crematory shut down for mishandled remains. Illinois state officials suspended one director's license, citing "deplorable conditions" and bodies stored in an unrefrigerated area. Residents had complained about a "stench" for months. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office is working to identify the decedents and notify families. Detectives are investigating, and no arrests have been announced. This incident follows similar discoveries of mishandled remains at funeral homes in other states.

Authorities discovered over 50 decomposing bodies improperly stored in the basement of South Chicago Chapel on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This discovery prompted a hazardous materials response and an investigation by Chicago police. Illinois state officials suspended the license of one of the funeral home's directors, citing deplorable conditions and unrefrigerated bodies. The owners, Johanna and Clark Morgan, previously ran a crematory that was shut down after improperly stored bodies were found. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is working to identify the remains and notify relatives, a process expected to take several days.