South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 from Aortic Dissection

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death on July 11 has been attributed to aortic dissection brought on by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement released from his office on July 12. The longtime South Carolina politician was 71.

Emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest call at Graham’s Washington, D.C. residence on the evening of July 11. An aortic dissection—sometimes called an aorta rupture—occurs when arteries harden over time, a condition that can deteriorate rapidly and prove fatal. Graham’s passing came just hours before he was scheduled to appear on Meet the Press for what would have been his 64th appearance on the NBC broadcast.

The senator’s death marks a significant loss on Capitol Hill. Graham had become one of the show’s most frequent guests over the years, second only to his close friend, the late senator John McCain, who died in 2018 at age 81. On the morning of July 12, moderator Kristen Welker announced that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would appear on the broadcast to reflect on Graham’s life and legacy.

Meghan McCain, the daughter of John McCain, paid tribute to Graham through social media, recalling her first impression of the“charming”politician when she was just 11 years old. She described being struck by his deep Southern accent and easy manner, noting that he seemed younger and more interesting than many of the political figures who moved through her father’s circle. In her tribute, McCain acknowledged that while her relationship with Graham had become“complex in later years,”she chose to remember the“endless laughter and joy he brought to my family so many times, in so many ways.”

Graham’s family released a brief statement asking for prayers and privacy during what they described as an“incredibly difficult period.”