LOS ANGELES (TNND) — Former Republican presidential nominee and Sen. Mitt Romey’s sister-in-law Carrie Elizabeth Romney was found dead near a Los Angeles parking garage, according to authorities.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department announced on Monday that homicide detectives responded to the scene on Friday around 9 p.m., noting that the 64-year-old’s cause of death is under investigation and will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Romney said he and his family are “heartbroken” by the news.
Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives,” the statement noted, per the media outlet. “We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
PEOPLE also said authorities told the outlet “a woman jumped or fell from a nearby parking structure.”
Mitt Romney, 78, was the Republican nominee for the 2012 presidential election. He also served as U.S. senator for Utah from 2019 to 2025, as well as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007.
The sheriff’s department said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone who has information about the incident to contact the department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can also be shared anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.