Dozens of decomposing bodies found at Chicago funeral home, authorities say | CNN

An investigation is underway after dozens of decomposing human remains were found at a Chicago funeral home, authorities said. More than 50 bodies in “various states of decomposition” were located at the address associated with the South Chicago Chapel funeral home, Cook County officials said in a release Thursday. The county medical examiner’s office is “assessing the conditions of the remains, searching for documentation regarding identification of the decedents as well as death certificates,” the news release reads. “This process could take several days to ensure proper disposition.” The medical examiner’s office “will work with authorities to identify these decedents as quickly as possible and notify their families,” the release reads. CNN is attempting to reach the South Chicago Chapel for comment. A resident living next to the funeral home, who wanted to be identified only as “V,” told CNN affiliate WBBM that the smell was like “a dead mouse.” “It just, like, stinks all the time. Like, it’s so bad.” The medical examiner’s office had been notified by Illinois and Chicago officials of decedents being improperly stored, the Cook County governm

Aug 7, 2026 → Aug 24, 2026