Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator from South Carolina and one of Donald Trump's most loyal allies, has died from a sudden illness, his office announced Sunday. He was 71.

Graham's abrupt death sends shockwaves through Washington and the Republican Party, just months before he was running for re-election in November. His office said he passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 11, from a brief and sudden illness, offering no further details. The Washington Post reported that emergency services received a call about chest pains at his Capitol Hill home around 8:30 p.m., and CPR was in progress 25 minutes later for cardiac arrest.

There were no known health concerns; Graham had just celebrated his birthday last Thursday and visited Ukraine last week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him on Friday for recognizing Ukrainian warriors. Graham was scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

Trump 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!!!'

Graham grew up in Central, South Carolina, where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning degrees from the University of South Carolina. He served as an Air Force lawyer, then in the South Carolina Air National Guard, and was elected to the House in 1994. He was a manager during Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial.

Elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham became a hawkish foreign policy voice, supporting the Iraq war and urging military action in Iran. He opposed Barack Obama's nuclear deal and defended Trump in the current conflict. He briefly ran for president in 2016, initially calling Trump a 'jackass' and 'race-baiting bigot,' but later became a close confidant and golf partner.

Graham wobbled after the January 6 insurrection, saying 'count me out,' but quickly returned to Trump's side, refusing to convict him in the impeachment trial and endorsing him for 2024. His death marks the end of the 'three amigos' - Graham, Joe Lieberman, and John McCain - all of whom sought the presidency. McCain died in 2018, Lieberman in 2024.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called Graham 'irreplaceable' and may appoint a replacement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised his international engagement and influence on the judiciary. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him 'one of Israel's greatest friends' and is reportedly considering attending the funeral.

Graham's death raises questions about transparency in Congress members' health, following recent cases like Tom Kean's undisclosed depression and Mitch McConnell's hospitalization.