Over 100 Bodies Found Improperly Stored at Chicago Heights Crematory

More than 100 bodies were discovered improperly stored at Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, prompting its immediate shutdown and a growing number of investigations.

The remains were found in trailers—many wrapped in plastic bags or sheets, without proper refrigeration or care. Some were visibly decomposing.

The photos came from a whistleblower who worked inside the facility. They showed bodies stacked on top of each other in a trailer, with faces and limbs exposed.

Families Betrayed by Crematory Negligence

Dozens of families in Illinois and Indiana now face the horror of learning their loved ones were left in appalling conditions. One family, whose father passed in late 2023, realized he was among the improperly stored remains after trusting a local cremation provider.

This wasn’t just a breakdown in the process but a complete failure of dignity and respect.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza suspended the crematory’s license and is moving to revoke it permanently. Her office oversees licensing and inspections, condemned the operation, and promised to prevent further harm.

What Happens Now?

An investigation is underway. Authorities are working to identify the bodies and contact families. Legal action may follow—not just against the crematory, but potentially others involved in transporting and handling the remains.

This incident also raises serious concerns about oversight across the funeral and cremation industry.

How to Find Out if Your Loved One Was Affected

If your family used cremation services in Illinois or Northwest Indiana in recent months, you may be wondering whether Heights Crematory handled your loved one’s remains.

Here’s what you can do:

• Check paperwork from the funeral home or cremation provider. Look for any reference to Heights Crematory or its address on East 11th Street in Chicago Heights.
• Contact the originating funeral home directly. Ask them which crematory they used. T
• Call the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. They are working to identify impacted families and can help confirm whether your loved one was part of the investigation.

Know Your Rights — And Your Options

If Heights Crematory handled your loved one’s remains—or if you’re unsure which crematory was used—our office is working with local counsel to investigate potential claims of funeral home negligence.

At Traction Law Group, we help families navigate the emotional and legal aftermath of funeral home negligence. You deserve to know what happened and have the right to hold those responsible accountable.

Call us 24/7 at (833) 236-8253 or visit TractionLaw.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Contact the Illinois Comptroller

If you or a loved one has been affected by the events at Heights Crematory, it is important to contact the proper authorities. Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza has taken swift action and continues leading the investigation.

Here’s how you can contact her office:

Springfield Office:

• Address: 325 West Adams Street, Springfield, Illinois 62704
• Phone: (217) 782-6000
• Toll-Free: (800) 877-8078

Chicago Office:

• Address: 555 West Monroe Street, Suite 1400S-A, Chicago, Illinois 60661
• Phone: (312) 814-2451

For more options, visit the official contact page:
👉 illinoiscomptroller.gov/contact