More Than 50 Bodies Found Decomposing at Chicago Funeral Home

Cook County authorities are investigating a Chicago funeral home where more than 50 bodies were found in various stages of decomposition, a discovery that has shocked nearby residents.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to identify the deceased and notify their families, a process that could take several days.

More Than 50 Bodies Found at Chicago Funeral Home

57 DECOMPOSING BODIES FOUND INSIDE SOUTH CHICAGO CHAPEL — FUNERAL DIRECTOR HAD PREVIOUS STATE DISCIPLINE

South Chicago Chapel
2939 E. 95th St. | 95th & Exchange
Chicago’s 10th Ward | Ald. Peter Chico

CHICAGO — Authorities are investigating a disturbing discovery on Chicago’s… pic.twitter.com/99Z83VWDXb

— Chicago Flips Red (@FlipChicagoRed) August 7, 2026

According to officials, the Medical Examiner’s Office was notified Thursday about conditions at South Chicago Chapel on the city’s South Side.

When investigators arrived, they discovered more than 50 bodies in various stages of decomposition.

Local media outlets have reported that 57 bodies were found, although authorities have only confirmed that the number exceeds 50.

Officials are reviewing death certificates and other records to identify each person and notify their families as quickly as possible.

Neighbors Had Reported Foul Odors

Una queja por restos a temperatura ilegal detonó una inspección, la suspensión de licencia y el hallazgo de 57 cuerpos sin refrigeración. Policía y forense investigan el caso en South Chicago Chapel.https://t.co/9agZDpW03Q

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Residents said they had noticed a strong odor coming from the funeral home for weeks, and in some cases, months.

“It stinks all the time. It’s horrible,” one neighbor told WBBM, a CNN affiliate, comparing the smell to that of “a dead mouse.”

Other residents told ABC Chicago that the odor had been noticeable long before authorities entered the building.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Authorities have not yet explained why the bodies were kept under those conditions or whether the funeral home violated regulations for handling human remains.

The investigation remains ongoing as the Medical Examiner’s Office works to identify the deceased and determine what led to the disturbing discovery at South Chicago Chapel.