Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the initial results released by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The South Carolina lawmaker passed away at age 71 after experiencing a “brief and sudden illness,” according to the statement issued by his office.
An aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, develops a tear that can cause a separation of its layers. Forensic authorities indicated that the diagnosis is preliminary and that the final death certification will remain pending until additional analyses are completed.
The final report will incorporate the results of toxicological and microscopic studies before officially establishing the cause and classification of death, the medical examiner’s office explained in a statement released on Sunday.
Graham died on Saturday night, according to his team, although details regarding the circumstances of his passing had not initially been disclosed.
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“His family appreciates the prayers at this time and requests privacy during this extremely difficult period”, noted the statement released after the news became known.
President Donald Trump with Senator Lindsey Graham during a campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina (AP)
President Donald Trump, one of Graham’s main political allies, reacted to the senator’s death and stated that they maintained a close relationship. “He was like a member of the family. It is very difficult,” expressed Trump, who said he had spoken with him hours before his passing.
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According to the president, Graham called him after returning from a trip to Ukraine and seemed to be doing well, although somewhat tired. Following the confirmation of his death, Trump ordered that American flags remain at half-staff until the following Saturday in tribute to the senator.
Graham had been an influential figure within the Senate for more than two decades. First elected in 2002, he represented South Carolina and held key positions, including the chairmanship of the Senate Budget Committee. From that post, he played a relevant role in the Republican legislative agenda during Trump’s second term.
The senator was also one of the most active voices in Congress on matters of foreign policy and national security. In recent years, he maintained a firm stance against Russia, Iran, and other international conflicts. Shortly before his death, he had announced progress on an agreement with the Trump administration to push for a package of sanctions against Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in Kyiv, Ukraine (AP)
One of his last international activities was a trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader highlighted the relationship they maintained and stated that Graham visited the country on several occasions since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
“Lindsey was a true champion of freedom and the values that make our world safer”, Zelensky expressed when referring to the senator’s passing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned his death and highlighted his historic support for Israel.
“Israel has lost one of its great friends. The United States has lost a great patriot. I have lost a dear friend”, he stated.
Graham’s death will open a process to designate his temporary replacement in the Senate. According to South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster must appoint a person to fill the seat until a special election is held.
Graham was seeking a fifth term in the November elections. His passing leaves a vacancy in one of the tightest chambers of the U.S. Congress, where Republicans held a narrow majority.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (left) alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Israel
Throughout his political career, Graham was also recognized for his ability to negotiate with members of both parties. Although he maintained a close alliance with Trump, at various times he participated in bipartisan agreements on immigration, justice, and national security.
The senator was neither married nor had children. On repeated occasions, he recalled his humble origins in South Carolina and his journey from a childhood marked by the early loss of his parents to becoming one of the best-known figures in the U.S. Senate.
