Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former Utah senator and onetime Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, was found dead Friday near a parking structure in Valencia, California.
She was 64.
Authorities say her body was discovered on the street near a five-story parking garage close to a Hyatt Regency hotel and a nearby mall.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of death. The case is listed as “deferred,” meaning the investigation remains open.
Officials have not confirmed whether she jumped or fell from the structure. Both scenarios are under review.
People magazine reports:
Carrie’s cause of death is listed as deferred as of Monday, Oct. 13, which means it is pending additional investigation. Her body status is listed as “ready for release.”
Mitt was the governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. He ran for president in 2008, seeking the Republican nomination, but later withdrew and endorsed John McCain.
He was the GOP nominee in the 2012 presidential election, but lost to President Barack Obama. He then served as a U.S. Senator for Utah from 2019 to January 2025.
After announcing in September 2023 that he would not seek re-election, he officially retired when his term ended.
Romney has called the loss “heartbreaking” and requested privacy for his family as they grieve.
READ NEXT: Trump Names Rising Star To Key Government Post
