An inquiry has been initiated following the discovery of over 50 decaying bodies that were not properly stored at a funeral home in Chicago, as announced by authorities on Thursday.
The Chicago Police Department is looking into the matter after human remains were found at the South Chicago Chapel funeral home, situated at 2939 E. 95th St. on the city’s Southeast Side. Initially, officers were called to the scene to aid the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with a “license investigation.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office verified that investigators and forensic pathologists who visited the facility “encountered more than 50 deceased individuals in various stages of decomposition.”
Officials mentioned that they are still evaluating the condition of the bodies and are in the process of searching for documents, such as death certificates, to identify them, a task that may require several days to complete.
This disturbing revelation follows complaints from neighbors about a noxious smell in the vicinity for nearly two months. Some residents expressed that the odor was so strong at times that it hindered outdoor activities. Frank Bower told WGN, “Every time I come through here, I smell a foul smell in the air and I was wondering what that smell was, and I kept thinking maybe it was the sewer.”
In a statement released by the Chicago police to the Mirror, it was stated that “Chicago Police Department officers from the 4th (South Chicago) District were called to a funeral home at the mentioned location to assist the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with a license investigation. Upon their arrival, human remains were discovered.”
“The Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene and deemed it a hazardous material (HAZMAT) incident. Area 2 Detectives are currently conducting an investigation.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office also issued a statement saying, “The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office was informed by Illinois and Chicago officials about deceased individuals stored improperly at a funeral home in Chicago. MEO investigators and forensic pathologists visited the funeral home at 2939 E. 95th St. in Chicago and discovered more than 50 deceased individuals in various stages of decomposition.”
“The MEO team is evaluating the conditions of the remains and searching for identification documents and death certificates. This process may take several days to ensure proper handling.”
“The MEO is collaborating with authorities to swiftly identify these deceased individuals and notify their families. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”
The Mirror has reached out to South Chicago Chapel funeral home and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for their comments.
