Medical examiner: Lindsey Graham died of aortic dissection

The District of Columbia medical examiner preliminarily ruled that Sen. Lindsey Graham died of an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, Graham’s office said Sunday afternoon.

Graham, R-S.C., died Saturday, July 11, at his Capitol Hill home after what his office called a “brief and sudden illness.” He was 71.

An aortic dissection occurs when the inner lining of the body’s main artery tears and blood leaks out, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition is often fatal if blood breaks through the outer wall of the artery.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to Graham’s home around 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday after a report of chest pain, according to audio archived by Broadcastify. Responders found the door deadbolted and requested help from the Metropolitan Police Department to gain entry. CPR was in progress on a man suffering apparent cardiac arrest shortly before 9 p.m., according to the audio.

Graham’s office said the medical examiner’s findings are preliminary.

President Donald Trump said he spoke with Graham by phone shortly before emergency responders arrived and ordered flags lowered to half-staff in his honor.