Mitt Romney’s Sister-in-Law Found Dead in Southern California: What We Know

The sister-in-law of former Republican U.S. Senator Mitt Romney was found dead on Friday next to a parking garage in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita, ABC News reported, citing officials.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it is conducting an investigation into the death of Carrie Romney, 64.

“On Friday, October 10, 2025, at approximately 9 p.m., Homicide Investigators responded to the 24000 block of Town Center Drive in the city of Santa Clarita regarding a death investigation of a female adult identified as 64-year-old Carrie Elizabeth Romney of Valencia,” the department said in a release.

“The cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing,” the department said, adding that it had no more information at this time.

ABC reported the Los Angeles examiner said the cause of death was listed as “deferred” while toxicology tests were pending.

TMZ cited the Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide bureau as saying foul play was not suspected, while ABC reported unidentified sources as saying preliminary information indicated she may have jumped or fallen from the garage.

A representative for Mitt Romney said in a statement to People magazine: “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 ran for president twice, in 2008, and in 2012 when he secured the Republican Party nomination but lost the election to former President Barack Obama.

Newsweek contacted Mitt Romney and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner via email.

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Update 10/13/25, 11:58 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional information.