芝加哥South Chicago Chapel殡仪馆发现50多具遗体被不当储存在非冷藏区域，处于各阶段腐烂状态，引发了有害物质应急响应[1]。伊利诺伊州财务专业监管部门指控该殡仪馆允许多具尸体在存在鼠患、蛆虫感染等"恶劣条件"的非冷藏区域存放[1]。周三，殡仪馆主任Johanna Morgan的执照被暂停[1]。邻居报告称闻到从该殡仪馆区域传出的恐怖气味[1]。
该殡仪馆的所有者曾运营位于Chicago Heights的火葬场，该场所去年因类似的不当储存尸体问题被吊销执照[1]。据州检察官称，火葬场内存放的许多尸体相互堆放且未冷藏[1]。2024年，Clark X. Morgan因使用过期执照和"不专业行为"被罚款10,000美元并吊销执照[1]。州审计长Susana Mendoza对此事评论称："再次感到恐惧。"[1]
Authorities discovered more than 50 bodies improperly stored in non-refrigerated areas at South Chicago Chapel, a funeral home located in Chicago, with the remains in various stages of decomposition.[1] Illinois regulators suspended the funeral home director Johanna Morgan's license on Wednesday, citing appalling conditions including rodent infestations and maggot contamination at the facility.[1] State officials alleged that multiple bodies were permitted to remain in these inadequate storage areas without proper cooling.[1]
The discovery has raised serious concerns about oversight of the funeral industry in the state. According to state prosecutors, the funeral home's owners previously operated a crematory in Chicago Heights, which had its license revoked last year due to similar improper storage of remains—bodies were stacked on top of one another without refrigeration.[1] Clark X. Morgan, one of the operators, was fined $10,000 and had his license revoked in 2024 for operating with an expired license and engaging in unprofessional conduct.[1] State Auditor General Susana Mendoza expressed alarm at the situation, stating she felt "horrified once again."[1] Neighbors reported detecting a disturbing odor emanating from the funeral home area.[1]