Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, was found dead near a parking garage in Valencia, Los Angeles, on Friday evening, according to officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She was 64 years old.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. PT on October 10, when officers responded to reports of a body discovered at the 24500 block of Town Center Drive, near a five-story shopping complex and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of the deceased as Carrie Elizabeth Romney on Monday. The cause of death has been listed as “deferred,” meaning further investigation and toxicology tests are pending.
Preliminary reports suggest that Romney may have fallen or jumped from a structure adjacent to the parking area. However, law enforcement officials have not confirmed any signs of foul play at this time.
Family Statement
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a representative for Mitt Romney said:
“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Who Was Carrie Elizabeth Romney?
Carrie Elizabeth Romney was the third wife of George Scott Romney, the elder brother of Mitt Romney. The couple married in 2016 following Scott Romney’s separation from his second wife, Sheri Jelalian.
Scott Romney, a corporate attorney and senior partner at Honigman Law Firm in Michigan, is also a well-known Republican political figure. He is the eldest son of the late George W. Romney, a former U.S. Housing Secretary and Governor of Michigan.
Carrie and Scott Romney did not have children together. Scott, however, has seven children from his previous marriages, including Ronna Romney McDaniel, former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
About Scott Romney
Scott Romney ran for the Michigan Attorney General’s office in 1998 and later considered a Senate bid in 2013 after his brother Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. Although he ultimately did not run, he has remained active in Republican politics and corporate law.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday, October 13, Carrie Elizabeth Romney’s cause of death remains under review. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office noted her body was “ready for release,” pending additional findings.
Authorities have not released further details but have urged the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation concludes.
