Tragedy struck the United States on Saturday, July 11, as news of the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham spread like wildfire. The Republican Senator, who had just celebrated his 71st birthday, died after a brief and unexpected illness. Graham’s office announced the news through a statement posted on X, citing a heart issue as the cause of death.
Source: cdnph.upi.com
The veteran Senator had been scheduled to appear on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday morning, but instead, President Donald Trump took his place in a pre-recorded interview. Trump revealed that he had spoken with Graham on Saturday after his return from Ukraine, where he had toured a drone factory and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Trump, Graham was ‘other than being tired, he was fine.’
However, preliminary findings by the District of Columbia’s medical examiner, released by Graham’s office, suggest that the Senator died from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Graham’s office also released a statement confirming the cause of death and requesting that the death certificate be updated to reflect the manner of death. The statement read, ‘The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death.’
As news of Graham’s passing spread, tributes poured in from world leaders and politicians alike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first to offer condolences, describing Graham as a ‘true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.’ Zelensky also praised Graham’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense, even during periods of heightened tension between the US and Russia.
Graham’s support for Ukraine was evident in his numerous visits to the country, with a total of 10 visits since the start of the war. The Senator remained in constant conversation with Zelensky, working together to bring peace to the region. In recent weeks, Graham had been working on initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada also offered his condolences to Graham’s family, friends, and colleagues. ‘Through his career, he stood resolutely in defense of democracy and freedom, most recently and particularly with Ukraine and its people,’ Carney said in a statement.
Former President Joe Biden also paid tribute to Graham, reminiscing about their time serving together in Congress for over a decade. ‘Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities,’ Biden said in a statement. ‘To his family, his staff, his constituents in South Carolina, and everyone who loved him: Jill and I are keeping you in our prayers.’
The news of Graham’s passing has left a void in the US Senate, and his seat will now need to be filled through a special primary in South Carolina. The state is expected to hold a special primary in the coming weeks to choose a new candidate to replace Graham on the Republican ticket.
