Senator Lindsey Graham contacted his scheduler on Saturday evening to report experiencing chest pains and requested that she call emergency services. Senator Tommy Tuberville relayed this account to reporters, stating that Graham had not yet called 911 when he reached out. Emergency responders arrived at Graham's location shortly thereafter. Reports indicate that emergency services were dispatched to a Washington, D.C. address around 8:30 PM ET for a report of someone suffering from chest pains. Graham had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine and had spoken with former President Donald Trump shortly before his death. Trump noted that Graham mentioned feeling tired but otherwise seemed fine.
The preliminary findings from the D.C. medical examiner's office indicated that Graham died from complications related to an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta and can present symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. A final autopsy report is pending. Senator John Cornyn expressed interest in seeing Graham's toxicology report to address any speculation regarding foul play. Tuberville mentioned that Graham's scheduler was at a restaurant when she received his call and emphasized Graham's dedication to his work.