Chicago Heights Crematory Accused of Mishandling Remains Is Being Shut Down
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS, JUN 19 – The crematory was permanently closed after authorities found improper storage of at least 10 bodies and hundreds of unclaimed ashes, following multiple warnings and inspections.
- The Illinois State Comptroller permanently shut down Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights in June 2025 after complaints of mishandling remains.
- The closure followed a state investigation prompted by a February 18 complaint revealing bodies stacked improperly and stored in broken refrigerated trailers.
- Officials found an undisclosed trailer with 19 bodies from Indiana and hundreds of unclaimed cremated remains, and the crematory had continued accepting bodies after promising to stop.
- Comptroller Susana Mendoza stated that as a result of this directive, Heights and its proprietors are permanently prohibited from running a crematory facility anywhere in Illinois.
- At least 30 lawsuits allege improper handling and wrong remains, while officials continue monitoring the site to ensure proper cremations and prevent future incidents.
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Chicago Heights crematory shuts down permanently after accusations of mishandling bodies
A Chicago Heights crematory accused of mishandling remains has been permanently shut down.Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who regulates crematories, announced Thursday she had permanently revoked Heights Crematory's license through a consent order.“The practical effect of this order is that Heights and its owners will never operate a crematorium in the state of Illinois again,” Mendoza said in a statement.The Illinois Funeral Director…
Crematory shut down after whistleblowers blow lid on disturbing practices, including bodies stuffed in coolers
Illinois officials permanently shut down a Chicago-based crematory on Thursday after whistleblowers flagged the disturbing way the bodies were handled, including human remains that were stuffed in broken coolers.
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