Remains of 56 people found improperly stored at Chicago funeral home
Authorities in Chicago discovered 56 improperly stored and decomposing bodies at a local funeral home. The state has suspended the facility's license while police investigate the conditions.
Why it matters
This incident raises significant public health and regulatory concerns regarding the oversight of funeral industry practices.
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
CHICAGO (AP) — The remains of 56 people were found improperly stored and decomposing Thursday at a Chicago funeral home run by a couple who previously operated a crematory that was similarly shut down because of mishandled remains, authorities said.
Illinois state officials, meanwhile, suspended the license of one of the funeral home’s directors, alleging bodies were being kept in an unrefrigerated area in “deplorable conditions.”
The discovery came months after neighborhood residents began noticing a “stench” emanating from the funeral home, which led some to complain to the city.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said it was notified by state and local officials that bodies were being stored improperly at South Chicago Chapel, and investigators and forensic pathologists were dispatched Thursday. The remains were in various states of decomposition, officials said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in