Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has shared new details surrounding the final moments of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., indicating that Graham experienced chest pains and called an aide before emergency services were dispatched.
According to Tuberville, Graham's personal scheduler, who was also a former scheduler for Tuberville, received a call from Graham reporting chest pains. Tuberville recounted that when asked if 911 had been called, Graham responded that it had not, prompting the aide to make the emergency call. By the time paramedics arrived, Tuberville said, they had to force entry into Graham's residence and were working to provide aid.
Graham's office announced his death on Sunday evening, stating the cause was "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Aortic dissection is a serious medical emergency where a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery.
Tuberville suggested that Graham's dedication to his work may have contributed to his untimely death. "Lindsey basically worked himself to death," Tuberville commented, noting that Graham did not have close family and often used any time off to travel for work.
Reports also indicate that Graham felt unwell prior to a scheduled appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." He reportedly told an unnamed source that he wanted to wait until after the television appearance to seek medical attention, stating his need to address issues such as "Russia sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization."
Graham's passing has prompted emotional tributes in the Senate, with colleagues remembering his presence. His Senate desk, previously occupied by his close friend Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was draped with a black veil and adorned with roses.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., spoke of the Senate halls feeling emptier without Graham. "I am comforted by the knowledge that, in the end, he has just changed his address," Thune said, his voice emotional.
Graham will be temporarily succeeded by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to fill the seat, and she is expected to be sworn in. "I plan to honor him in this way," Nordone said during the ceremony, expressing her grief and determination to serve.