Emergency dispatch audio and photos from the night U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died have been released, revealing the frantic life-saving measures performed before his sudden passing at 71. The recordings, obtained by multiple outlets, indicate emergency medical responders were called to Graham’s home in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night for a reported cardiac arrest.
First responders arrived at the residence just before 8:30 p.m. and performed CPR on a person identified as 73 years old. Dispatchers noted that an unidentified woman called minutes later, stating the front door was unlocked, but responders found it locked upon arrival. At 8:35 p.m., officials forced entry into the home. Nearly 15 minutes later, EMS reported administering CPR, and a supervisor was dispatched to assist.
Graham’s office announced his death in the early hours of Sunday, stating he had passed away from a 'brief and sudden illness.' The senator, who represented South Carolina since 2002, died just two days after his 71st birthday. Photos obtained by TMZ showed paramedics desperately attempting to save Graham’s life as he was wheeled out of his home on a gurney.
Graham had a family history of heart disease, with his father dying of a heart attack at 68. The cause of Graham’s death has not been officially confirmed, but the dispatch audio and family history suggest a possible cardiac event.