The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington announced that preliminary investigations into Senator Lindsey Graham’s death indicate an aortic dissection linked to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The office clarified that the findings are not final and that the death certificate will remain pending until toxicological and microscopic analyses are completed.
An aortic dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to flow between layers of the vessel wall and potentially causing severe internal bleeding or organ damage.
Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease involves plaque buildup within arteries, narrowing blood flow and elevating the risk of serious heart and vascular complications.
Senator Graham, 71, passed away on Saturday night, an event that shocked colleagues across Washington and the nation.
His career began in the House of Representatives, where he served four terms before being elected to the Senate in 2002. He became a prominent voice on national security, foreign policy, and the judiciary, chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee during the first term of the former president.
After his death, lawmakers from both parties offered tributes that highlighted his decades of public service and influence on key Senate debates.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will issue an updated death certificate once all testing is finished.
