Preliminary findings show Senator Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The condition occurs when the layers of the body's largest artery, the aorta, tear apart. Symptoms can appear suddenly and require immediate emergency surgery.
Graham, 71, is not the only notable figure to die from this condition.
John Ritter The actor died from an aortic dissection on September 11, 2003, while filming a sitcom. He was initially treated for a heart attack.
Doug LaMalfa The California Congressman died on January 6, 2026, from complications of an aortic dissection during emergency surgery. He was 65.
Alan Thicke The "Growing Pains" actor died from a ruptured aorta on December 13, 2016, after experiencing chest pain while playing hockey.
Medical experts describe the pain from an aortic dissection as extreme and sudden, often feeling like a tearing or ripping sensation. Type A dissections, which occur near the heart, are immediately life-threatening and typically require surgery within 24 hours. Age and high blood pressure are leading risk factors.