Over 50 improperly stored bodies found decaying at Chicago funeral home: Officials
The bodies were found in various states of decomposition, investigators said.
Authorities were notified Thursday of more than 50 decaying bodies that were found improperly stored at a funeral home in Chicago, according to county officials.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office sent investigators and forensic pathologists to the funeral home, located on the city's southeast side, after receiving notice of possible improper storing of decedents from officials, according to a Cook County Government press release.
The team discovered the over 50 bodies in various states of decomposition, the press release said.
The medical examiner's office is assessing the conditions of the remains and searching for documentation to identify the decedents, including their death certificates, Cook County said.
Staff at the medical examiner's office are working as quickly as possible to identify the bodies and notify their families, though the process could take several days to ensure proper disposition, according to the press release.
Authorities are working with the medical examiner's office and will release more information as it becomes available.