Carrie Romney, 64, sister-in-law of former U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, was found dead in a Los Angeles-area parking structure while in the midst of a divorce from her husband, George “Scott” Romney. Authorities have said she either fell or jumped from the structure, though the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
Scott Romney, 84, filed for divorce from Carrie — his third wife — in June, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents obtained by reporters list the couple’s date of separation as May 25 and note that both parties requested no spousal support during or after the divorce proceedings, citing that “most of the assets and debts of the parties are separate property and were accumulated before marriage.” Carrie had also indicated to the court that she planned to drop the Romney surname once the divorce was finalized.
Carrie’s attorney, Paulina Markey, confirmed that the divorce had not been completed before her death. “This is an immensely difficult time for Ms. Romney’s loved ones, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. We extend our deepest condolences to them during this time,” Markey said.
Scott Romney’s attorney, Karen L. Goldman, told reporters, “My client has not authorized me to make any comments to media during this difficult and tragic time,” though she added that Scott is expected to issue a statement at a later date.
The couple had been married since Nov. 16, 2016, living largely out of the public eye. They had no children together. Scott, an attorney and former political hopeful, has seven children from previous marriages, including Ronna McDaniel, former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee. He was previously married to Ronna Romney from 1967 to 1992 and Sheri Jelalian from 2011 to 2016.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Monday, Oct. 13, that a woman had been found dead in a parking lot in Valencia, California. Officers arrived at the 24500 block of Town Center Drive around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, discovering Carrie’s body in the lot. The parking garage is five stories tall and situated adjacent to a Hyatt Regency hotel, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Lt. Daniel Vizcarra, a spokesperson for the LA County Sheriff’s Department, told multiple outlets, “We don’t know if it was suicide or accidental. There is not enough information to go by yet on what the coroner has given us so far.” The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is continuing its investigation into the manner of her death.
Carrie and Scott Romney were part of the prominent Romney family, sons of former Michigan Governor George W. Romney and siblings to Mitt, Margo, and Jane Romney. Scott had been a major supporter of Mitt Romney during his 2012 presidential campaign. Mitt later served as senator from Utah from 2019 to 2025.
Following the news of Carrie’s death, Mitt Romney issued a statement expressing his grief: “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives.”
The tragic circumstances surrounding Carrie Romney’s death add a painful chapter to a family long accustomed to public scrutiny, as authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the 64-year-old’s untimely passing.