Mitt Romney's Sister-in-Law Found Dead in Valencia Parking Garage
Mitt Romney, 2018. Photo courtesy of Utah Reps. Public domain.
On October 10, 2025, Carrie Elizabeth Romney, sister-in-law to former US Senator and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, was found dead in Valencia, California, in circumstances that have left her family and authorities searching for answers. The 64-year-old woman's death is currently under investigation, with officials yet to determine the exact cause.
A Tragic Discovery in Valencia
Carrie Romney's body was reportedly discovered in a parking lot near a five-story garage in the Town Center area of Valencia, adjacent to a Hyatt Regency hotel. Law enforcement responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. local time on that Friday evening, according to a representative from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The official confirmed that the woman either fell or jumped from the parking structure, but the details remain unclear as the investigation continues, as reported by PEOPLE.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has listed Carrie's cause of death as "deferred," indicating that toxicology and further examinations are pending, as reported by PEOPLE. Her body status is marked as "ready for release," but no final determination has been made.
A Marriage Unraveling Behind the Scenes
Just months before her death, Carrie Romney was quietly navigating another life-altering ordeal — divorce. Court documents reveal that George "Scott" Romney, brother to Mitt Romney and Carrie's husband of nearly nine years, filed for divorce on June 10, citing "irreconcilable differences" and marking their official separation date as May 25, as reported by PEOPLE.
At 84, Scott Romney asked the court to waive any future spousal support obligations, arguing that "most of the assets and debts of the parties are separate property and were accumulated before marriage," as reported by PEOPLE. Carrie, in turn, indicated she planned to drop the Romney surname after the split, a symbolic break from one of America's most politically entrenched families.
Their divorce was not finalized at the time of her death.
"This is an immensely difficult time for Ms. Romney's loved ones, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve," said Carrie's attorney, Paulina Markey, in a statement to PEOPLE. "We extend our deepest condolences to them during this time."
Scott, who has remained publicly silent, was described by his attorney, Karen L. Goldman, as not ready to speak but expected to release a statement eventually, as reported by PEOPLE. The couple had no children together, and Carrie was Scott's third wife.
Now, with the divorce unresolved and the cause of death pending, questions about what Carrie may have been going through in her final days are only deepening.
Mitt Romney's Response
Mitt Romney, who served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007, was the Republican nominee for president in 2012, and represented Utah in the US Senate from 2019 until January 2025, issued a brief but heartfelt statement through a family representative. He expressed that the family is "heartbroken" over the loss of Carrie, describing her as someone who brought warmth and love to their lives, as reported by PEOPLE. The statement also requested privacy during this difficult time, underscoring the family's desire to grieve away from public scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation
Homicide investigators reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after the discovery, around 8:30 to 9 p.m., and have been conducting a thorough investigation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the death is under investigation, as reported by ABC7. The exact circumstances — whether the fall was accidental or intentional — have not been publicly disclosed, and authorities are awaiting the medical examiner's final report.
Ongoing Investigation
While the details of Carrie Romney's death remain under investigation, the case highlights the importance of community awareness and the complexities that law enforcement faces in such situations. If you find yourself near a similar scene or witness an incident, your observations could be crucial to an investigation.
For those following the story, it's a reminder that even public figures and their families face deeply personal tragedies, often shielded from the public eye until official information is available.
As the investigation continues, you can expect updates from the Los Angeles County authorities and the Medical Examiner's Office, who will provide clarity on the cause of death and any further developments.
In the meantime, the Romney family's request for privacy is a call for respect during a profoundly difficult time.
References: Mitt Romney Speaks Out After Sister-in-Law Carrie Is Found Dead Near L.A. Parking Garage | Mitt Romney's sister-in-law Carrie Elizabeth Romney found dead in Santa Clarita | Mitt Romney's Sister-in-Law Found Dead in L.A. Parking Garage | Mitt Romney's Sister-in-Law Carrie Was Going Through Divorce When She Was Found Dead by L.A. Parking Garage
