Story perspectives

50 Decomposing Bodies Found at Chicago Funeral Home; License Suspended

8/7/2026

Summary

Authorities Uncover Bodies

U.S. authorities uncovered 50 decomposing bodies at South Chicago Chapel funeral home in Chicago, where Chicago Fire personnel forced entry during a funeral as police blocked the street.
Regulators suspended funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license on August 5 because bodies were unrefrigerated and infested, violating below-40 °F rule.
Detectives are probing the case after a $10,000 fine was levied against president Clark Morgan, while Medical Examiner’s Office identifies decedents for several days.

Summary

Mendoza Condemns

Comptroller Susana Mendoza condemned the Morgan operators, referencing their prior misconduct at the Heights Crematory.
The Morgans operated the Chicago Heights crematory, which closed in 2025 after investigators found about 100 improperly stored bodies.
Residents reported a foul odor at South Chicago Chapel, set fly traps and warned police six months before bodies were found.
Clark Morgan denied police entry without a warrant, padlocked the door and cited his attorney.

History

Historical Context

In June 1988, Jacksonville’s Morning Glory Funeral Home was exposed when Duval County medical examiners found 36 decomposing bodies stacked in a closet, leading the state to tighten funeral-home refrigeration and licensing rules. That precedent guides today’s Illinois health officials as they intervene at the Morgan family’s South Chicago Chapel and Heights Crematory, where dozens of remains were again discovered.

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Authorities Uncover Bodies

U.S. authorities uncovered 50 decomposing bodies at South Chicago Chapel funeral home in Chicago, where Chicago Fire personnel forced entry during a funeral as police blocked the street.
Regulators suspended funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license on August 5 because bodies were unrefrigerated and infested, violating below-40 °F rule.
Detectives are probing the case after a $10,000 fine was levied against president Clark Morgan, while Medical Examiner’s Office identifies decedents for several days.

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