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Updated on: July 13, 2026 / 6:30 AM EDT
/ CBS News
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Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement. His death came shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine and ahead of a scheduled appearance on Sunday's "Meet the Press." "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the South Carolina senator's office said. Graham's spokesperson said Sunday afternoon the cause of death was aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings by the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition involving a tear in the main artery from the heart, due in this case to what is commonly known as hardening of the arteries.A recording of an emergency phone call on Saturday evening responding to a residence belonging to the senator mentions a dispatch for cardiac arrest. President Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," in a Truth Social post."He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed," Mr. Trump said. The president said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" he spoke with the senator Saturday evening, after he returned from Ukraine. "Other than being tired he was fine," the president said.
