Medical examiners have identified the cause of the sudden death of US Senator Lindsey Graham

According to preliminary data, the cause of death was aortic dissection.

Ліндсі Грем /фото: Getty Images

13 July, 10:57

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of US President Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress, who actively advocated for a tougher US foreign policy, likely died from aortic dissection. This is stated in the preliminary conclusion of the forensic medical expert, released by the senator's office, reports AP.

According to preliminary data, the cause of death was dissection of the inner wall of the aorta, associated with atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries. The final cause of death will be determined after toxicological and microscopic studies.

Lindsey Graham, an influential Republican from South Carolina, a former Air Force lawyer and a congressman with over 30 years of experience, died on Saturday evening – two days after his 71st birthday. Previously, his office had reported only a "short and sudden illness."

Graham was one of the most influential American politicians in international relations. He advised Trump on the war with Iran, policy towards Russia, and other foreign policy issues. On the eve of his death, the senator reported reaching an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a new package of sanctions against Russia.

As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he also played a key role in advancing Republican legislative initiatives during Trump's second presidential term.

According to South Carolina state law, Senator Graham's interim successor will be appointed by Governor Henry McMaster. A new Republican Party candidate will be determined in a special primary election, and the winner of the general election in November will begin a full six-year term in January.

On the eve of his death, US Senator Lindsey Graham visited Ukraine. During his visit, he toured the facility of the defense company SkyFall, where he familiarized himself with the production of Vampire heavy bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, and P1-SUN interceptors of Russian drones.

The senator also held a meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Congressman Michael McCaul, a member of the US House of Representatives and honorary chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, arrived in Ukraine with Graham.

Earlier, on July 10, Lindsey Graham reported that he had agreed with the White House on an updated version of the bill, which provides for strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia.