Crematory Shut Down After Bodies Found Stacked in Broken Coolers
The Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, Illinois, has officially shut down — permanently. After months of disturbing allegations and graphic evidence provided by whistleblowers, the crematory's license has been revoked by state authorities.
A Scene No Family Should Ever Imagine
This closure isn't just about a business losing its license. It's about what state investigators described as a deeply disrespectful and shocking mishandling of the deceased. The scandal came to light in February 2025 when whistleblowers contacted CBS News Chicago with evidence showing human remains stored in broken refrigerated trailers and, in some cases, piled on top of each other on the crematory's main floor.
According to Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, at least 19 corpses were discovered in a broken trailer, and additional bodies were found haphazardly placed in the facility. Six to seven bodies had been thrown onto the main floor waiting for cremation — not in any designated area, but directly on top of one another.
A Mother's Grief Becomes a Nightmare
Brianna Woodward, who lost her premature twins Lily and Luna, suspects the ashes she received aren't her daughters'. The cremains appeared to be random gravel, not human ash. "It's really disturbing to me," Woodward said, according to CBS News Chicago. She's joined a growing number of families accusing the crematory of fraud and mishandling of remains.
She's not alone. Wren Williams, another client, had to pressure state authorities for two and a half years to receive her mother's ashes. When she finally got an urn, it wasn't her mother's remains inside. According to CBS News Chicago, she described the ordeal as "complete neglect."
504 Boxes of Ashes
In what may be one of the most heartbreaking discoveries, state officials recovered 504 boxes of ashes that had never been delivered to families. These ashes were sent to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, with some still unidentified. This raises painful questions for grieving families who trusted Heights Crematory to provide respectful, dignified care for their loved ones.
No Court Needed: Crematory Agrees to Shut Down
Initially, the crematory was slated to attend a state hearing to determine its fate. But that hearing was canceled when the operators agreed to a consent order ensuring the permanent revocation of their license. "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, according to CBS News Chicago.
This is the first time Illinois has shut down a crematory in such a definitive manner. Mendoza described the decision as necessary, given the overwhelming evidence. "When I saw these pictures, I felt that our dog got a more dignified treatment in death than these people did," she told reporters back in March, according to CBS News Chicago.
A Painful Lesson in Oversight and Trust
The situation at Heights Crematory didn't happen overnight. CBS News Chicago reported that the crematory had been warned repeatedly in the past about violations, including storing cadavers in broken refrigeration units and stacking bodies inappropriately.
Despite these prior warnings, the facility continued operating until whistleblowers finally exposed what was happening behind closed doors. As Mendoza pointed out, this case shows the importance of proper oversight and the terrible consequences when businesses betray public trust.
The End of a Grim Chapter
No one expects a crematory to be warm and cheerful. But dignity, care, and professionalism are the minimum expectations. Heights Crematory failed on every count. While the shutdown brings some closure, many families are left with uncertainty, unanswered questions, and in some cases, the wrong remains.
Illinois has made it clear this won't be tolerated again. And for those still waiting to learn what happened to their loved ones, justice — though delayed — is finally in motion.
References: Chicago crematory shut down after whistleblowers bring disturbing practices to light | Chicago Heights crematory agrees to shut down permanently after accusations of mishandling bodies
