Chicago Funeral Home Under Investigation After Over 50 Rotting Corpses Found Inside

CHICAGO, IL - A funeral home out of the South Side of Chicago is under investigation, with the funeral director having had their license suspended after authorities reportedly discovered over 50 cadavers earlier in August in various states of decomposition inside the funeral home following complaints from locals regarding the stench.

On August 6, authorities discovered more than 50 cadavers in various states of decomposition at South Chicago Chapel, with officials citing improper storage as the apparent cause. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said it was alerted to the situation after receiving complaints about a foul odor coming from the funeral home.

“Staff is assessing the conditions of the remains, searching for documentation regarding identification of the decedents as well as death certificates. This process could take several days to ensure proper disposition,” the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said in a statement.

One of the funeral home's directors, Johanna Morgan, has since had her funeral director's license suspended following the discovery. Officials allege the cadavers were kept in deplorable conditions, including improper refrigeration and infestations of maggots and rodents.

According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the agency responsible for suspending Morgan's license, officials determined that her continued licensure presented “a danger to the public safety, interest and welfare.” Reports also indicate that South Chicago Chapel is owned by a couple who previously operated a crematory that was shut down over similar allegations involving the mishandling of human remains.

Morgan's husband, Clark, serves as the president of South Chicago Chapel. Authorities said his funeral director's license was revoked in 2024 for practicing with an expired license and for alleged unprofessional conduct.

As of this writing, no arrests have been made and no criminal charges have been filed. However, the Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the incident.