The state is investigating a cremation facility located in the southern suburbs of Chicago after officials found human remains improperly stored in a trailer outside the building. This incident is not the first violation for Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, Illinois. CBS News Chicago has obtained documents indicating that state regulators have issued multiple warnings to the facility about its management of bodies awaiting cremation.
The trailer located on the property of Heights Crematory contained images showing deceased individuals only partially covered with sheets or clear plastic bags, exposing parts of their bodies and faces. When CBS News Chicago attempted to speak with Clark Morgan, the operator of Heights Crematory, he declined to comment on the disturbing photos of bodies stored in the trailer.
Investigators discovered that Illinois state regulators had repeatedly informed Heights about violations of regulations. In July of the previous year, state officials cited the crematory after finding a “cadaver in a broken refrigerator” and observing “six to seven bodies waiting to be cremated on the main floor,” which was deemed a clear violation.
In October, Morgan received another warning from state regulators, who described the situation as “unacceptable.” However, they indicated they would offer “one more chance to make improvements” before pursuing legal action against the crematory’s license. A document outlined the need for cleaning the facility and trailers, as well as ensuring that bodies were placed in proper containers.
Following that “final opportunity to improve,” Heights Crematory faced additional issues. In December, they received another citation for violations related to cremation containers and were given 30 additional days to fix the problem. Two months later, a source provided CBS News Chicago with photographs taken inside the trailer in February.
