Mitt Romney has paid tribute to his sister-in-law after she was found dead close to a high-rise car park.

Carrie Elizabeth Romney, who had recently divorced from the former Republican presidential candidate’s brother, appeared to have jumped or fallen from the five-storey building, authorities said.

Mr Romney said he was “heartbroken” by the 64-year-old’s death, and said that his sister-in-law brought “warmth and love to all of our lives”.

Investigators said they do not currently suspect foul play, but have not ruled it out.

Ms Romney’s body was found around 9pm on Friday in Valencia, a suburb of Los Angeles, near a car park attached to a shopping centre.

Her car was found inside a parking garage near the city’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Her cause of death was listed as “deferred” pending toxicology tests, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.