Senator Lindsey Graham died of aortic tear, examiner says
US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at age 71 due to an aortic dissection, according to medical examiners. A prominent Republican and foreign policy hawk, Graham was known for his interventionist views and recent support for Donald Trump.
Why it matters
Graham's death removes a significant and influential voice from the US Senate, potentially impacting foreign policy debates and Republican party dynamics.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71
US Senator Lindsey Graham died of an "aortic dissection" caused by cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary finding by the Washington DC medical examiner.
Aortic dissection is a tear in the main artery that carries blood to the heart.
Graham, a close Republican ally of President Donald Trump, died at the age of 71 on Saturday evening.
Elected to the Senate in 2002, the South Carolina politician was one of Washington's most influential voices on foreign policy, often pushing for US military intervention overseas.
Anthony Zurcher: From Trump critic to ally, Lindsey Graham was a political survivor of the Maga era
Published 15 hours ago Graham's spokesperson said the death certificate would be pending until "all the toxicological and microscopic testing" was finalised.
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