The sudden death of Carrie Elizabeth Romney, sister-in-law to former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, has cast a somber shadow over one of America’s most prominent political families. The 64-year-old was found unresponsive on the street beside a five-story parking garage in Valencia, California, on Friday, October 10, 2025. As details continue to emerge, the case has gripped both the local community and observers of the Romney family, known for its deep ties to Republican politics and public service.
According to The Daily Mail, Carrie was discovered by a passerby near the 24000 block of Town Center Drive, close to the Valencia Town Center shopping mall and a Hyatt Regency Hotel. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. Her vehicle was located inside the parking structure, not far from where her body was found. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, led by homicide detectives, began an immediate investigation, but as of now, foul play is not suspected.
Lieutenant Daniel Vizcarra, speaking to The Daily Mail, stated, “We don’t know if it was suicide or accidental. There is not enough information to go by yet on what the coroner has given us so far.” The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed Carrie’s cause of death as “deferred” while toxicology tests are pending—a process that could take months, according to The Los Angeles Times. Investigators are reviewing video footage from the area, but specifics about the circumstances remain elusive.
ABC News and The Independent both reported that a preliminary assessment suggested Carrie may have either jumped or fallen from the parking garage. While the investigation continues, the family and public are left with more questions than answers about what led to this tragedy.
In a brief but heartfelt statement, 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.” This sentiment was echoed across all major reports, underscoring the family’s grief and desire to mourn privately.
Carrie’s death came just months after the dissolution of her nearly nine-year marriage to George Scott Romney, Mitt’s older brother. According to divorce filings obtained by The Daily Mail, the couple separated on May 25, 2025, and Scott filed for divorce on June 10, citing irreconcilable differences. The filings reveal that Carrie was seeking spousal support and to return to her maiden name, Carrie Elizabeth Dimas, while Scott opposed the request for support. The couple, married on November 26, 2016, had no children together and were known for keeping their relationship exceptionally private—no social media presence, no public photographs together, and no interviews since the 2012 presidential campaign.
Scott Romney, now 84, is a prominent attorney based in Michigan with the firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn. He is also the father of former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, from his first marriage. As reported by The New York Times and ABC News, Scott was one of Mitt Romney’s most visible supporters during the 2012 presidential campaign, often helping with fundraising and public appearances. However, he has largely retreated from the public eye over the past decade, focusing on his legal career and board service in Michigan.
Until January 2025, Carrie lived in Michigan with Scott. After their separation, she relocated to Santa Clarita, California, where she was residing at the time of her death, as confirmed by online records and The Independent. The couple’s preference for privacy extended to their daily lives, and even after their split, there was little public information about Carrie’s activities or state of mind.
The scene of Carrie’s death was quickly cordoned off by police, with footage showing law enforcement vehicles and police tape blocking much of the parking lot, according to The Daily Mail. The local sheriff’s department has stated that while foul play is not currently suspected, it has not been entirely ruled out pending the results of the ongoing investigation and toxicology screening. The process, as noted by The Los Angeles Times, may take several months before definitive answers are available.
The loss has brought renewed attention to the Romney family, whose members have long been fixtures in American politics. Mitt Romney, in particular, is known for his lengthy and varied career: governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007, the Republican Party’s nominee for president in 2012, and U.S. senator from Utah from 2018 until his retirement in January 2025. Romney’s political journey has been marked by both high-profile victories and defeats, including his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump and his historic votes to convict Trump during impeachment proceedings.
Romney’s decision to retire was rooted in his belief that the country needs fresh leadership. As he stated in a Capitol news conference, “The times we’re living in demand the next generation step up and express their point of view and to make the decisions that will shape American politics over the coming century.” He emphasized that baby boomers like himself “are not the right ones to be making the decisions for tomorrow.” This perspective, reported by The Daily Mail, reflects Romney’s long-standing focus on family and generational legacy—a theme that resonates even more deeply in the wake of Carrie’s passing.
The Romney family’s close-knit nature has been well documented, from their annual family Olympics on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire to their competitive spirit and mutual support in public life. The Washington Post once profiled the family’s traditions, highlighting their deep bonds and shared values.
As the investigation into Carrie Elizabeth Romney’s death continues, the family remains in mourning, awaiting answers that may not come for some time. For now, her memory lingers as one of warmth and love, as described by those closest to her. The story of her life and untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of both the public and private struggles faced by even the most prominent families.
While the specifics of Carrie’s final moments remain unclear, the outpouring of sympathy and respect for her life has been unmistakable. The Romney family, so often in the public eye for political reasons, now finds itself united in grief, seeking solace and privacy as they navigate this painful chapter.
