South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings released by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C.
Graham’s office announced Sunday that the longtime senator died Saturday evening following what it described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” the statement said. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Less than 24 hours later, Graham’s office released preliminary findings from the medical examiner identifying the apparent cause of death.
According to the report, Graham died from “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”
An aortic dissection is a medical emergency involving a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s largest artery.
Officials emphasized that the death certificate remains pending while additional testing is completed.
“The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,” the statement said.
Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll and District of Columbia Chief Medical Examiner Francisco J. Diaz confirmed the preliminary findings in a joint statement.
The officials explained that comprehensive toxicology and microscopic testing are routinely conducted whenever an autopsy is performed in the District of Columbia.
“As soon as the results are available and the investigation concludes, OCME will communicate with the next of kin and the death certificate will be amended from pending to the cause of death and the classification of the manner of death,” they said.
According to emergency dispatch reports, Emergency Medical Services responded to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence at approximately 8:27 p.m. Saturday following a report of chest pains.
The senator had returned from a trip to Ukraine the previous day, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss continued support for the country’s defense against Russia, per the Conservative Brief.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham in a Truth Social post Sunday morning.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump wrote. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Trump later said Graham had called him Saturday evening after returning from Ukraine to discuss the SAVE America Act, legislation the president has been supporting.
According to Trump, Graham said the bill appeared ready to pass the Senate.
Trump also spoke by phone Sunday with NBC’s “Meet the Press” after Graham had been scheduled to appear on the program.
During the interview, Trump said Graham sounded tired after his overseas trip but remained focused on his work.
“He sounded a little tired, but perfect,” Trump said. “He was a worker — he was really a worker,” the president said.
