Tragedy Strikes Romney Family: Carrie Elizabeth Romney Found Dead in California
Authorities in Los Angeles confirmed that Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former Utah Senator and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, was found dead Friday evening in Valencia, California. She was 64 years old.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Carrie was discovered around 8:30 p.m. near a parking garage by the Westfield Valencia Town Center, as first reported by TMZ.
Authorities Investigating Circumstances
Officials said the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Deputy Brenda Serna told The New York Post that investigators are working to determine whether Carrie “jumped or fell” from the multi-story structure or a nearby building.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office has taken over the case, and an autopsy is pending. No additional details have been released about how she ended up on the street near the shopping center.
Mitt Romney Issues Heartfelt Statement
In a statement to People magazine, Mitt Romney said his family is devastated by the loss.
“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives,” Romney said.
“We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Carrie’s Life and Marriage
Carrie Elizabeth Romney married G. Scott Romney in 2016 following his separation from his second wife, Sheri Jelalian. Scott, Mitt Romney’s older brother, is an attorney and longtime Michigan Republican who ran for Michigan Attorney General in 1998.
Scott Romney has been married three times. His first marriage, to Ronna Romney (1967–1992), produced five children — including Ronna Romney McDaniel, former chair of the Republican National Committee.
He later married Sheri Jelalian (2011–2016) before marrying Carrie in 2016. The couple did not have children together. In total, Scott Romney has seven children: Ronna, Kevin, George, Mark, Christina, Madison, and Griffin.
Political Legacy of the Romney Family
Mitt Romney, 78, remains one of the most recognizable names in modern American politics. After serving as Governor of Massachusetts, he won a Senate seat from Utah in 2018. He also became the Republican presidential nominee in 2012, narrowly losing to Barack Obama.
Romney’s political career has been defined by both admiration and controversy — particularly his breaks with the Republican Party, including his votes to convict President Donald J. Trump during both impeachment trials.
In 2023, Romney announced he would not seek reelection in 2024, stepping down from the Senate in 2025.
Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to investigate the case. Officials have not yet provided a timeline for the release of the autopsy report.
For now, the Romney family — a name long associated with American political life — mourns another personal loss.