Coroner Details Final Moments of Mitt Romney's Sister-in-Law
Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left her suicide note in a copy of the Book of Mormon and had the anti-anxiety medication Xanax in her system when she died last year, according to newly released coroner documents.
Tragic Discovery in California
The 64-year-old was found deceased on October 10, 2025, outside a five-story parking garage in California after taking her own life. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report, obtained by media outlets, reveals that Carrie died from injuries sustained after falling "backwards from a seat position" from the elevated structure.
Her final written words were discovered in the back pages of a Book of Mormon, the sacred text of the Latter-day Saint movement to which the Romney family belongs. The religious volume was found beneath her purse on the front passenger seat of her vehicle, positioned nearby the tragic scene.
Medical Findings and Final Hours
Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of 6.3 ng/mL of Xanax in her system at the time of death. Xanax, medically known as alprazolam, is commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders but carries warnings about potential side effects including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Medical Examiner Dr Emily Lo documented Carrie's last movements in detailed reports. Witnesses observed her "pacing" and "looking over the edge" of the parking structure at approximately 7:10 pm on the evening of her death. She had departed from her home hours earlier around 12:30 pm, informing her husband she was going out to complete errands.
By 8:23 pm, surveillance footage and witness accounts placed her sitting atop the parapet wall, facing away from the significant drop to the pavement below. Tragically, just three minutes later at 8:26 pm, she fell to her death.
History of Mental Health Struggles
The coroner's investigation revealed a troubling pattern of mental health challenges. Dr Lo noted that Carrie had "a history of suicidal ideation" and had previously attempted to end her life. According to the documents, just two years before her death, she had driven a vehicle over the edge of a cliff in another suicide attempt.
Friends and family reported that she frequently "made comments about not wanting to go on," indicating prolonged emotional distress that culminated in the October incident.
Connection to Political Family
Carrie had married into the prominent Romney political family on November 26, 2016, when she wed George Scott Romney, brother of the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Scott Romney gained public visibility during his brother's presidential campaign against Barack Obama, who ultimately won the election.
Court documents obtained by investigators reveal that the couple divorced eight years after their marriage, with Scott citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings reportedly involved disputes over spousal support arrangements.
Family Response and Aftermath
Following Carrie's death, Mitt Romney issued a brief but emotional statement expressing the family's grief. "Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives," the former senator wrote.
Mitt Romney, known for being the sole Republican senator to vote to convict Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial and for participating in Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's murder, has maintained his political profile while his brother Scott has largely retreated from public life since the 2012 election.
The Romney family has not provided additional comments beyond the initial statement, and representatives have not responded to recent inquiries about the coroner's findings.
Resources for Those in Distress
For individuals experiencing emotional distress or struggling with suicidal thoughts, confidential support is available through multiple channels:
- In the UK and Ireland: Contact Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- In the United States: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- International support: Visit befrienders.org to locate local helplines
These services provide free, confidential assistance available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone in crisis.
