Medical Examiner Says Lindsey Graham, 71, Died of Aortic Tear, Not Criminal Action
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jul 13
Medical Examiner Says Lindsey Graham, 71, Died of Aortic Tear, Not Criminal Action
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jul 13
Summary
Preliminary findings shared by Graham’s office say the South Carolina senator died after an aortic dissection linked to hardened arteries, undercutting online claims that he was killed.
An official cause of death is still pending toxicological and microscopic tests, but the medical examiner found no indication of criminal action behind his sudden death Saturday night.
Posts on X had blamed Russia, Iran, Ukraine and Israel, citing Graham’s Friday trip to Ukraine, his push for new Russia sanctions and his support for Trump’s Iran war.
FBI assistance to local authorities, highlighted in conspiracy posts, drew no further comment Monday, and experts said sudden deaths of polarizing public figures often trigger more emotionally satisfying false narratives.