Nearly 60 bodies found unrefrigerated at Chicago funeral home amid license suspension

Cook County investigators and the Medical Examiner’s Office are identifying remains after nearly 60 bodies were discovered improperly stored at South Chicago Chapel, officials said. State and federal authorities alerted the medical examiner, who said families are being notified as the identification process proceeds and that some remains were in various states of decomposition.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has suspended the funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license, citing records that said multiple decedents were kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions, including rodent infestation and maggot activity, according to the BBC and its media partner CBS News. Investigators worked overnight to transfer body bags from the chapel as the Medical Examiner’s Office began the identification process.

The active business license for South Chicago Chapel lists Clark Morgan as president, and IDFPR noted Clark Morgan previously had his funeral director’s license revoked in 2024. County records show Clark Morgan also operated Heights Crematory, which investigators closed in 2025 after mishandling concerns were reported.

Michael Sharkey, general counsel at the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, said state law includes strict rules on handling decedents, such as prohibiting bodies from being laid on top of one another and requiring a written chain of custody log for movements while in a funeral home’s care. He noted that national rules from the Federal Trade Commission mainly address pricing and contracts, while day-to-day operations and inspections fall to state authorities.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The discovery prompted immediate action by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and state regulators, including a license suspension for the named funeral director, according to official statements. Authorities transferred bodies from the chapel to begin identification and notified families as the process continues. Records link the chapel’s listed president to a previously closed crematory where mishandling had been reported.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Nearly 60 bodies were found stored in unrefrigerated, reportedly infested conditions at South Chicago Chapel.
• The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license following the discovery.
• Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading identification efforts after state and federal authorities alerted them.