Preliminary Report Says Lindsey Graham Died From Aortic Dissection

Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner indicate that Sen. Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement released by his office.

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. The condition can rapidly become fatal if blood breaks through the vessel wall or disrupts blood flow to vital organs. Medical experts say it most commonly affects older adults, particularly men with underlying cardiovascular disease.

Emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Washington, D.C., home Saturday evening after reports of severe chest pain. According to emergency dispatch reports, CPR was performed before he was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Graham’s office said the preliminary findings identified the cause of death as “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.” Officials noted that the death certificate remains pending while toxicology and microscopic testing are completed, after which the medical examiner will issue a final determination.

The senator had a family history of heart disease. His father died of a heart attack in his late 60s, and Graham had recently returned from a congressional trip to Ukraine before his sudden medical emergency. President Donald Trump said he spoke with Graham just hours before his death and that the senator sounded tired but otherwise appeared to be in good spirits.

Graham, 71, served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was one of President Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill. His death leaves a vacancy in South Carolina‘s Senate delegation, with Gov. Henry McMaster expected to appoint an interim replacement until a successor is chosen under state law.