US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away due to ‘aortic dissection’, says preliminary medical report

WASHINGTON: In a major development that has sent shockwaves through Washington’s political landscape, US Senator Lindsey Graham, a towering Republican figure who shaped American foreign policy for decades and served as a crucial strategist to President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening following a sudden medical crisis at the age of 71.

Confirming the tragic demise, the office of the Washington, DC, Chief Medical Examiner stated on Sunday (local time) that the veteran lawmaker died of an aortic dissection brought on by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a report by the American news outlet The Hill.

As detailed by the same publication, the office of Washington, DC’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr Francisco Diaz, clarified that conclusive forensic evaluations are still under way following the lawmaker’s demise.

The Medical Examiner’s office stated that “the death certificate will be pending until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalised and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,” indicating that the official documentation will remain incomplete until comprehensive laboratory screenings are wrapped up.

BREAKING OVERNIGHT: Sen. Lindsey Graham died at 71 following a sudden “cardiac arrest” call at his home, and he was carried away on a stretcher

He had just returned from Ukraine

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever… pic.twitter.com/vykuff9Lhu

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 12, 2026

Amid these developing medical findings, the formal announcement, which was broadcast on social media early Sunday, stated that the senator’s family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period”. This preliminary release did not provide additional specifics regarding the precise circumstances surrounding his passing.

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from the highest levels of government. Paying tribute to the veteran politician, President Donald Trump, who maintained frequent communication with the lawmaker, told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the senator was “like a member of the family. It’s very tough.”

Trump recounted that Graham had contacted him by telephone on Saturday evening following his return from an official mission to Ukraine, noting that the legislator “sounded a little bit tired, but perfect”. Following the news, the president directed that national flags across the United States be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening.

The late legislator’s extensive background underscores why his sudden passing has caused such a significant impact. A former Air Force attorney who dedicated three decades of service to the US Congress, Graham was widely recognised as a prominent foreign policy hawk and a commanding presence within Washington’s diplomatic circles.

He served as a key adviser to the Trump administration on critical geopolitical matters, including the conflict involving Iran as well as relations with Russia. Just prior to his passing on Friday, he had publicised a collaborative agreement with the White House to advance a comprehensive legislative package concerning Russia sanctions.

Furthermore, in his legislative capacity as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, he occupied a vital role during Trump’s second term, guiding major policy objectives through the chamber alongside the Republican Party’s narrow 53-47 majority.

This immense political influence was the culmination of a long career that began at the turn of the century. First elected to the upper house in 2002 following a tenure in the House of Representatives, Graham consistently advocated assertive American military engagement and a formidable national defence framework.

His journey to becoming a key presidential adviser was particularly notable, given its turbulent beginnings. His political dynamic with Trump initially began contentiously during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, during which Graham famously declared him “unfit for office” and used profanity after Trump drew widespread criticism for disparaging remarks targeted at Arizona Republican John McCain, who was Graham’s closest friend in the Senate.

In a highly publicised retaliation during the campaign, Trump read aloud Graham’s personal mobile phone number at a campaign rally in South Carolina and maintained a pattern of public mockery. However, following Trump’s ascension to the White House, Graham transitioned into one of his most trusted confidants, frequently engaging in strategic consultations and joining the president on the golf course.

Ultimately, the passing of the South Carolina representative concludes an extensive legislative career marked by his profound impact on congressional debates surrounding international relations, judicial appointments, federal budgets, and immigration frameworks. (ANI)