Family sues over lost remains

A day after James Hejna died in 2003, his widow followed his wishes and donated his body to a medical school for study. Afterward, the body would be cremated and the ashes returned to his family for interment.

Lawyers for Margaret Hejna and her three children filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois and Midwestern University in Downers Grove because the remains were delivered to another family and lost.

Hejna says she has tried to locate her husband's body for years, but has been met with apathy from both the association and the school.

Midwestern College spokeswoman Karen Johnson says she didn't know if Hejna's body would ever be recovered, but she said their investigation into the matter continues. Telephone calls to the association for comment weren't returned.