The sister-in-law of former Senator Mitt Romney, Carrie Elizabeth Romney, was found deceased outside a shopping center in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, her body was discovered last Friday near Town Center Drive, approximately 40 miles north of downtown LA. Deputies stated that foul play is not suspected at this time.
KTLA reported that the 64-year-old was found in a parking garage of the Valencia Town Center shopping mall. It appears she may have fallen or jumped from the structure, although investigators have yet to confirm the exact circumstances surrounding her death. The Medical Examiner's report has consequently listed the cause of death as "deferred," the meaning of which is subject to ongoing investigation that may entail additional testing.
Furthermore, the LA County Sheriff's Department told ABC News they are conducting a comprehensive death investigation following the incident. In the meantime, toxicology tests are pending and could provide further insights into the cause of Carrie Romney's untimely death.
Carrie Elizabeth Romney's passing occurs in the backdrop of her brother-in-law's history as a two-time presidential candidate who vied for the Oval Office in both 2008 and 2012. After conceding the primaries in 2008, Mitt Romney supported Senator John McCain and, later, secured the Republican nomination in 2012 only to be defeated by former President Barack Obama. The investigation into his sister-in-law's death is ongoing, and the family has not released any statements at this time.
