A Chicago Heights crematory has permanently closed its doors after agreeing to a consent order that revokes its license forever, following shocking discoveries of mishandled human remains that have devastated hundreds of families across Illinois and Indiana. The closure represents an unprecedented action by Illinois regulators and marks the end of a months-long investigation that exposed appalling conditions at the suburban facility.
Heights Crematory agreed Thursday to permanently shut down rather than face a state hearing scheduled for next week. According to CBS News Chicago, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced the facility’s license had been permanently revoked through the 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 stated.
Disturbing Discoveries Lead to Closure
The investigation began in February when a whistleblower, later identified as Christopher Iacovetti, provided photographs showing bodies stacked in trailers with faces and limbs exposed, some wrapped only in plastic bags or sheets. As reported by CBS News Chicago, Iacovetti described seeing “very deplorable conditions of storage” and “complete disrespect and disregard for the families of these loved ones.”
State investigators ultimately discovered over 100 bodies improperly stored at the facility, along with 504 boxes of unclaimed cremated remains. Some of these ashes dated back to 2013, and families have been unable to trace their origins. According to CBS News Chicago, Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Ponni Arunkumar, who was tasked with identifying the remains, said she had “never seen anything like it before.”
Troubled History of Violations
Heights Crematory had a documented history of regulatory violations long before the final investigation. CBS News Chicago reported that in July 2024, state regulators found “a cadaver in a broken refrigerator” and “six to seven bodies waiting to be cremated on main floor.” The facility was cited again in October and December 2024, with regulators noting “conditions there were unacceptable.”…