It’s been an incredibly difficult time for Mitt Romney and his family, as the former U.S. presidential candidate and Utah senator shared his heartbreak following the sudden death of his sister-in-law, Carrie Elizabeth Romney.
The 64-year-old was found dead last Friday near a parking garage in the Los Angeles suburb of Valencia — just months after her husband, Romney’s brother, had filed for divorce.
A Heartfelt Family Loss
In an emotional statement, Mitt Romney described the devastating impact of Carrie’s passing on the family.
“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives,” he said.
“We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Carrie’s death comes amid a turbulent year for the Romney family, with reports revealing that she and Mitt’s older brother, George Scott Romney — known as Scott — had been separated since May.
Divorce Filed Months Before Her Death
Documents obtained by the Daily Mail show that Scott Romney, an 81-year-old attorney and politician, filed for divorce on June 10 after more than eight years of marriage.
The couple, who wed in November 2016, had no children together and lived largely out of the public eye.
This was Scott’s third marriage — he’s also the father of former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel from his first marriage.
In court filings, he cited “irreconcilable differences” and stated that most of their assets were individually owned before their marriage.
Carrie had reportedly requested spousal support and the restoration of her maiden name, Carrie Elizabeth Dimas.
Found Near a Parking Garage in California
Authorities say Carrie was discovered near a five-story parking structure around 8:30 p.m. on Friday in Valencia, not far from a local shopping center and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Lieutenant Daniel Vizcarra from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told reporters that foul play is not suspected.
“We don’t know if it was suicide or accidental,” he said. “There is not enough information yet from the coroner’s report.”
A passerby reportedly found her body by an alleyway near an apartment complex on Town Center Drive and called 911.
Her vehicle was later found parked inside the same structure.
Investigators are reviewing nearby security footage to piece together what happened in the hours leading up to her death.
Toxicology results are pending, and her cause of death has been listed as “deferred” by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A Private Couple Away from the Spotlight
Unlike many members of the prominent Romney family, Scott and Carrie lived quietly, rarely appearing in public and staying off social media.
Scott, who once played an active role in his brother Mitt’s 2012 presidential campaign, has largely kept a low profile in recent years.
During the campaign, Scott told PBS that Mitt had personally asked for his help in fundraising efforts, joking that he wanted “someone with a little gray hair” on board.
Today, Scott continues to practice law with Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn in Michigan and serves on several corporate boards.
The Romneys’ Close-Knit Family Legacy
The Romney family has long been known for their closeness — a large and competitive clan that famously holds annual “family Olympics” at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
Throughout his political career, Mitt Romney often emphasized the importance of family and faith.
The couple share five sons and several grandchildren, and Romney has often credited his wife, Ann, for keeping their family grounded through years of political campaigns.
A Career of Leadership and Public Service
Mitt Romney’s long career in public service has made him one of the most recognizable figures in American politics.
He served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and later as a senator from Utah between 2018 and 2024.
He ran for president twice, losing the Republican primary in 2008 before winning the GOP nomination in 2012 — where he was ultimately defeated by Barack Obama.
Known for his independence within the Republican Party, Romney made history as the only GOP senator to vote twice to convict former President Donald Trump during impeachment trials.
Stepping Back for the Next Generation
After announcing his retirement from the Senate last year, Romney said he believed it was time for “a younger generation” to take charge of America’s future.
He urged both major party leaders — Joe Biden and Donald Trump — to step aside and make room for new voices.
“The times we’re living in demand that the next generation step up and make the decisions that will shape American politics for the century ahead,” he said.
His most recent public appearance was at a forum at Drew University in New Jersey in late September — just weeks before tragedy struck his family.
A Time for Healing
For the Romneys, Carrie’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder that even America’s most prominent families are not immune to personal tragedy.
While the investigation into her death continues, the family is said to be leaning on one another for strength and privacy during this painful period.