Illinois Permanently Shuts Chicago Heights Crematory Over Improper Body Storage

Illinois officials have permanently shut down the Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights after a state investigation revealed gross malpractice and unethical handling of human remains, including bodies stored in broken refrigerated trailers and stacked improperly. The crematory's license was revoked through a consent order, ensuring it and its owners will never operate a crematorium in Illinois again. Whistleblowers and undercover investigations exposed conditions such as bodies piled on top of each other and remains stored in broken coolers, prompting strong condemnation from Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who called the treatment appalling and disrespectful. The crematory also concealed material facts by hiding an additional refrigerated trailer containing 19 bodies from Indiana and continued accepting bodies after agreeing to stop. Hundreds of unclaimed cremated remains and bodies were transferred to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The scandal highlighted failures by both the crematory and some funeral homes in following proper procedures, but accountability was ultimately placed on Heights Crematory for their gross misconduct and mishandling of the deceased.