Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; Aortic Dissection Named as Preliminary Cause

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, passed away suddenly in the early hours of Sunday, July 12. His Communications Director Taylor Reidy released a statement later that day outlining the preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia.

"The preliminary examination findings were: Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease," the statement indicated. Reidy noted that the death certificate remains pending pending completion of toxicological and microscopic testing, at which point it will be finalized to reflect the official cause and manner of death.

According to eyewitness accounts and police scanner recordings, emergency responders arrived at Graham's residence in Washington, D.C., shortly after 8:30 p.m. following reports of chest pain. First responders initiated CPR after Graham experienced cardiac arrest and subsequently transported him to George Washington University Hospital.

Graham had been scheduled to appear on Meet the Press that morning. Following his passing, Trump made a statement regarding the situation.