The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death for Carrie Elizabeth Romney, sister-in-law to Senator Mitt Romney: suicide. The ruling brings a somber conclusion to a case that unfolded in October, leaving a family grappling with profound grief.
Carrie Elizabeth Romney, 64, died from blunt traumatic injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of a parking structure in Valencia, California. Authorities responded to a late-night call reporting a deceased woman near the Valencia Town Center mall, discovering her near the five-story structure.
The tragedy occurred while a contentious divorce was underway between Carrie and her husband, George Scott Romney, Senator Romney’s older brother. Court documents revealed a particularly acrimonious legal battle, with George Romney actively seeking to deny his wife any spousal support or claim to shared property.
The couple had been married for eight years, but the divorce was not finalized at the time of Carrie’s death. The legal proceedings painted a picture of a deeply fractured relationship, adding another layer of sorrow to an already devastating loss.
Following the news, Senator Romney released a statement expressing his family’s heartbreak. He described Carrie as a source of warmth and love, and requested privacy during their time of mourning. The family’s pain is compounded by the sudden and tragic nature of her passing.
This loss comes amidst a period of transition for Senator Romney himself. Just months prior, in September 2023, he announced his decision not to seek reelection to the US Senate, citing a desire to make way for a new generation of leadership.
Romney, then 76, explained his belief that those who will inherit the future should be the ones shaping it. His announcement, now shadowed by personal tragedy, underscored a sentiment of passing the torch and embracing change.
