Mitt Romney ‘Heartbroken’ After Sister-in-Law Found Dead in California

Former presidential candidate and Utah senator Mitt Romney said he was “heartbroken” following the death of his sister-in-law, Carrie Elizabeth Romney, 64, who was found dead Friday near a parking garage in the Los Angeles suburb of Valencia.

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, Romney was discovered on the street next to a five-story parking structure near the town’s shopping mall and a Hyatt Regency Hotel around 8:30 p.m. Authorities said foul play is not suspected, though the cause of death remains “deferred” pending toxicology results.

In a statement, Mitt Romney said, “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.”

Public records obtained by the Daily Mail show that Mitt’s brother, George Scott Romney, 81, filed for divorce from Carrie in June, just four months before her death. The couple had separated on May 25 after eight years of marriage. The filing cited “irreconcilable differences” and noted that most assets were acquired before their marriage.

Carrie had sought spousal support and requested the restoration of her maiden name, Carrie Elizabeth Dimas.

Detectives told the outlet that they are reviewing nearby video footage but have not determined whether the death was accidental or self-inflicted. Her vehicle was found parked inside the garage.

George Scott Romney, an attorney and the father of former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, has not publicly commented.

Mitt Romney, who retired from the U.S. Senate earlier this year, is known for his close-knit family. Carrie and Scott had no children together and largely kept their relationship private.