Lindsey Graham death: Report says medical examiner attributes probable cause of death to aortic dissection | Today’s news
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham likely died after suffering an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings released by the District of Columbia medical examiner, the AP reported.
The findings provide the first official indication of what caused the sudden death of the 71-year-old South Carolina Republican, whose office previously said only that he died after a “short and sudden illness.”
Hours after announcing Graham’s death, the senator’s office issued a follow-up statement citing preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner.
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Lindsey Graham’s death was likely caused by aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner.
Paramedics were dispatched to Lindsey Graham’s residence after reports of chest pains, where they performed CPR on him for apparent cardiac arrest.
Just before his death, Lindsey Graham spoke with President Donald Trump, discussing his recent trip to Ukraine and legislative priorities, despite feeling energized even as he felt tired.
Lindsey Graham has been influential due to his strong advocacy of US military intervention, a strong national defense policy, and his close political relationship with President Trump, particularly on foreign policy issues.
After the death of Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoints an interim replacement and a special Republican primary must be held to choose a new candidate for the upcoming election.
Graham died of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement from the report.
Graham’s office first announced his death in a statement posted on social media early Sunday.
His family said they appreciated “prayers at this time” and requested privacy during what they described as an “incredibly difficult time”.
The original statement did not release a cause of death or provide further details about the circumstances of his death.
Paramedics performed CPR
Earlier reports indicated that paramedics were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence after receiving a report of chest pains.
Responders later performed CPR on the man, who suffered apparent cardiac arrest, after police helped them gain access to the home, according to an audio recording of emergency dispatch reviewed by USA TODAY.
Authorities initially did not release an official cause of death, sparking widespread speculation.
911 reported chest pain
According to the audio, emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence around 8:30 p.m. ET after receiving a report that someone in the home was experiencing chest pain.
The dispatcher told responders that the caller, an unidentified woman traveling from Baltimore, believed the front door was unlocked.
However, first responders said the residence was secured with a deadbolt and that no one answered after knocking repeatedly.
The police called for the help of rescuers to enter the house
Unable to gain entry, emergency personnel requested assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department to enter the residence.
Just after 8:50 PM ET, paramedics radioed that CPR was being performed on a man suffering from what appeared to be cardiac arrest.
Neither dispatchers nor first responders identified Graham by name during the exchange. At one point, the responder identified the patient as a 73-year-old man, although Graham was 71, USA TODAY reported.
Trump recalls the last conversation
US President Donald Trump said he spoke with Graham shortly before emergency services were dispatched to the senator’s home.
Speaking about their latest conversation with CNN, Trump said Graham had recently returned from Ukraine and was discussing legislative priorities.
“He just came back from the Ukraine and had a great trip. He told me about the trip. He was pushing very, very hard … He wanted to do the SAVE America Act.”
Trump said Graham looked tired after the overseas trip but otherwise sounded fine.
“He was full of energy and vigor. He was tired. He said, ‘I’m tired because it’s been a long journey.’ But other than that he was fine.”
The president added that the call may have been among Graham’s last actions before emergency responders arrived.
“He called me, I think, just moments before… The medics got there a little later, right after. What a terrible loss.”
The cause of death has not yet been announced
Graham, one of President Trump’s closest allies in the Senate and a leading Republican voice on foreign policy, died on July 11 after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
Despite details of the emergency dispatch, officials have not released an official cause of death and no findings indicating foul play have been reported.
