Preliminary forensic results in Columbia County have revealed that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died from an aortic rupture caused by arteriosclerosis, according to a statement from his office on Sunday.
This occurs when the aorta is damaged or leaks.
The statement also mentioned that the death certificate will remain pending until the completion of all toxicology and microscopic examinations.
At that point, the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and properly classify the manner of death, reported the Associated Press.
Age 71
This statement followed the announcement that Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 after a "sudden" illness, as his office announced on Sunday.
The statement noted, “U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday evening, July 11, following a sudden illness that did not last long," adding that "his family (...) requests privacy during this difficult time."
Meanwhile, NBC News reported that emergency services received a call on Saturday night regarding a "cardiac arrest" at Graham's home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, according to police communications accessed by the network and other media.
Graham was scheduled to appear on NBC's talk show "Meet the Press" on Sunday morning.
Flags Lowered in Mourning
In a phone interview with the program, Trump stated that Graham was a natural politician who worked hard, adept at dealing with representatives from both major parties in the United States. He added that the senator "was amazing and unique in every way."
Trump mentioned speaking with him on Saturday evening after Graham returned from a trip to Ukraine, noting that the latter appeared tired and revealed plans for a meeting, which could have taken place on Sunday. He continued, "Perhaps that was his last call."
Later, Trump ordered flags across the country to be lowered in mourning through his platform "Truth Social."