Carrie Romney, Mitt Romney’s Sister-in-Law, Passes Away in L.A. Parking Garage, Medical Examiner Confirms

Mitt Romney appears on ‘Meet the Press’ on Dec. 10, 2023.
Credit :

William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney’s late sister-in-law, Carrie Elizabeth Romney.
• Carrie died on October 10 after she fell from a parking garage in California.
• Mitt Romney expressed that his family was “heartbroken” by her death in a statement.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death for Carrie Elizabeth Romney, sister-in-law of former U.S. Senator Mitt Romney. The agency disclosed on December 9 that Carrie died due to blunt traumatic injuries sustained from a fall from a parking garage in Valencia, California, on October 10. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide. She was 64 years old.

Following the announcement, a representative for Mitt Romney, 78, did not provide immediate comments.

Law enforcement officials reported that they responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. PT on the night of Carrie’s fall, arriving at the parking garage on Town Center Drive in Valencia, where they found her body.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s representative indicated that a woman had either jumped or fallen from the five-story structure near a Hyatt Regency hotel, as noted by NBC Los Angeles.

In a statement shared shortly after Carrie’s death, Mitt Romney remarked, “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.”

Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan.

Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Months prior to Carrie’s death, her husband George “Scott” Romney—Mitt’s older brother—filed for divorce, according to court documents. The filing, made on June 10, identified May 25 as the couple’s date of separation and cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. Scott, 84, sought to waive potential spousal support for both parties, indicating that “most of the assets and debts… were accumulated before marriage.”

Carrie reported to the court her decision to no longer use the Romney surname post-divorce. Her attorney, Paulina Markey, confirmed that the divorce was not finalized at the time of Carrie’s death. In a statement, Markey expressed, “This is an immensely difficult time for Ms. Romney’s loved ones, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. We extend our deepest condolences to them during this time.”

Scott’s attorney, Karen L. Goldman, stated that Scott had not authorized comments during this challenging period.

Scott and Carrie were married on November 16, 2016, and had no children together. He has seven children from prior marriages, including former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or emotional distress, resources are available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.