Medical Examiner: Lindsey Graham Died from Aortic Tear

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died Saturday evening after suffering an aortic dissection, according to preliminary findings released Sunday by the District of Columbia medical examiner. He was 71.

Graham's office initially announced that the senator had died following a "brief and sudden illness" but did not identify the cause. Hours later, the office released the medical examiner's preliminary findings, stating that Graham died from "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." The office noted that the death certificate will remain pending until toxicological and microscopic testing is complete.

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery. Acute aortic dissection is among the most lethal medical emergencies, even in an era of advanced emergency care and heart surgery. Studies from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) estimate that 20% to 40% of patients die before they ever reach a hospital, often because the torn aorta ruptures or the dissection triggers catastrophic complications such as cardiac tamponade, stroke, or the loss of blood flow to critical organs. The condition can also be difficult to recognize because its symptoms often resemble those of a heart attack or other life-threatening illnesses.

According to reports, emergency responders were dispatched to Graham's Washington residence Saturday evening after a report of cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts, the Senator was pronounced dead.

Graham's office said his family "appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

The District of Columbia medical examiner is expected to issue a final death certificate after additional testing is completed.