Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness, tributes pour in
South Carolina senator and close Trump ally died unexpectedly after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest
Longtime Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness."
The South Carolina senator died on Saturday, July 11, according to a statement released by his office.
"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," the statement read.
"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
While an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, NBC News reported that emergency responders were called to Graham's Capitol Hill residence after reports of a cardiac arrest on Saturday night.
Graham's death came just one day after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the senator on social media, noting it was Graham's 10th trip to Ukraine and praising his continued support for the country and its armed forces.
The veteran lawmaker had been scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday to discuss his visit to Ukraine.
He was also preparing to seek a fifth six-year term in the U.S. Senate in the upcoming November election.
First elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham became one of the most recognisable figures in the Republican Party and served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Over the years, he emerged as one of President Donald Trump's closest allies on Capitol Hill.
Following the announcement of Graham's death, Trump paid tribute to the senator in a statement posted on Truth Social.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working and was a true American Patriot.
Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!" the president wrote.
Graham never married and did not have children.
His office has not yet announced details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services.