The office of US Senator Lindsey Graham has announced that his sudden death was caused by an aortic rupture linked to cardiovascular atherosclerosis, according to findings from the medical examiner. Reuters, citing a statement from Graham’s office, reported that the condition involved a tear in the wall of the body’s main artery, a serious and life-threatening medical emergency that can lead to sudden death. Documents released by authorities show that emergency responders were sent to Graham’s home on Saturday evening after reports of a cardiac arrest. US President Donald Trump rejected speculation over the cause of Graham’s death, saying the senator had suffered a heart attack. Trump described Graham as “a great friend” and said his death was deeply upsetting. The announcement came as Iranian state media faced criticism for using hostile language while reporting Graham’s death, referring to him as an anti-Iran US senator. Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina, served in Congress for more than three decades, including as a senator from 2003 until his death. He died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 71.
