Decomposing remains of 56 people found in 'deplorable' Chicago funeral home

Authorities discovered the remains of 56 individuals improperly stored and decomposing at the South Chicago Chapel funeral home on Thursday, August 6, 2026. State officials suspended the license of one of the funeral home's directors, Johanna Morgan, citing "deplorable conditions" that included unrefrigerated areas and evidence of rodent and maggot infestations, leading to the decomposition of bodies. The discovery followed months of complaints from neighborhood residents about a strong odor emanating from the establishment.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office dispatched investigators and forensic pathologists to the scene to assess the remains, which were in various states of decomposition, and to begin the challenging process of identification and notifying families. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been announced as of Friday, August 7, 2026.

This is not the first time the owners of South Chicago Chapel, Johanna and Clark Morgan, have faced issues concerning mishandled human remains. The couple previously operated the Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, which had its license revoked in 2025 after authorities found improperly stored bodies and numerous cremated remains that had not been returned to families. Clark Morgan's funeral director license was also revoked in 2024 for practicing with an expired license and unprofessional conduct.