Carrie Elizabeth Romney, 64, the sister-in-law of former United States Senator and presidential nominee Mitt Romney, was found dead on Friday, October 10, 2025, near a parking garage in Santa Clarita, a suburb north of Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is currently conducting a death investigation into the incident.

Homicide investigators responded to the 24000 block of Town Center Drive in Valencia, Santa Clarita, at approximately 9:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, October 10, 2025, following reports of a deceased adult female. The individual was identified as Carrie Elizabeth Romney of Valencia.

Investigation Underway

The cause of death for Ms. Romney has been listed as "deferred" by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's Office, pending toxicology tests and further investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary information from unidentified sources suggests she may have fallen or jumped from the parking structure. Authorities have indicated that foul play is not suspected at this stage of the investigation.

A representative for Mitt Romney released a statement to People magazine, expressing the family's grief: "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."

Context and Background

Mitt Romney, a prominent figure in American politics, served as the Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. He was the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2012, and later served as a U.S. Senator for Utah from 2019 until January 2025. The Romney family has maintained a relatively private personal life despite their public profile.

What to Watch

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's Office will release the official cause of death once toxicology tests are complete and the investigation concludes. This process could take several months. Further updates are expected from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as their death investigation progresses.