Graham asked a staffer to call 911 after reporting chest pains, GOP senator says

New Details Emerge About Senator Graham’s Final Hours Before Passing

A Staffer’s Account of the Emergency Call

Graham asked a staffer to call 911 – Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville shared a compelling narrative regarding the moments before Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, revealing that one of his own employees was present when the late senator made a crucial phone call. According to Tuberville, Graham’s scheduler was spending Saturday evening at a restaurant watching the World Cup alongside one of Tuberville’s staff members when Graham reached out to report experiencing chest pains. The senator urgently requested that his scheduler arrange for emergency medical assistance.

Tuberville recounted the conversation to reporters on Monday, explaining how Graham had contacted his scheduler with an urgent message. “Lindsey called, called basically, said, ‘Listen, I’m having chest pains. You know, I need to do something,'” Tuberville told the press, passing along the firsthand account from those who witnessed the events unfold. When the scheduler inquired whether Graham had already contacted emergency services, the senator replied, “no, that’s the reason I called you.”

The urgency of the situation became immediately apparent. Tuberville noted that emergency responders arrived with remarkable speed. “By the time she got there, 911 had knocked the door down, and they were working on him,” he explained, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic scene that greeted the scheduler upon her arrival at Graham’s residence.

Confirming the Timeline of Events

This senator’s testimony provides valuable additional context to the sequence of events leading up to Graham’s passing. The account appears to validate several elements of what has already been established regarding the emergency telephone call that preceded the tragedy. Previously, CNN had reported that emergency personnel were sent to a Washington DC location for Graham at approximately 8:30 PM Eastern Time, responding to reports of an individual experiencing chest discomfort. This information came from audio recordings of the dispatch captured on Broadcastify.

The audio evidence revealed that the person making the call was located in Baltimore and was traveling toward Graham’s home at the time. Graham had recently completed a trip to Ukraine before returning to the United States. President Donald Trump confirmed to CNN that he had spoken with Graham shortly before the senator’s death occurred. During their conversation, the president and the senator discussed Graham’s proposed voter identification legislation, known as the “SAVE America Act,” along with Graham’s recent international travels.

Trump remembered Graham’s condition during their conversation. “He said, ‘I’m tired because it’s a long trip,’ but other than that, he was – he was fine,” Trump recalled, suggesting that Graham appeared healthy despite his fatigue from the journey.

Medical Findings and Ongoing Questions

Taylor Reidy, who serves as communications director for Senator Graham, previously announced that the District of Columbia medical examiner’s office had reached a preliminary conclusion regarding the cause of death. The findings indicated that Graham died from complications arising from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which serves as the primary artery carrying blood throughout the body.

While an aortic dissection differs from a heart attack, the symptoms frequently overlap with those of more common medical conditions. These symptoms can include chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and episodes of unconsciousness. A comprehensive autopsy remains pending to provide final confirmation of the medical findings.

Republican Senator John Cornyn expressed his desire for transparency regarding Graham’s death. Cornyn told reporters that he wanted the toxicology report made public to eliminate any possibility of foul play and to counteract false theories circulating on social media platforms. “We, you know, I saw the initial diagnosis of a dissected aorta — which is terrible, I mean, obviously, that could cause his death — but given where he was and the sorts of things he was advocating for, I think we just ought to resolve all those questions by seeing what the toxicology reports show,” Cornyn stated.

Graham’s Dedication Remembered

Tuberville provided additional details about the scheduler who had placed the 911 call on Saturday. This individual had previously worked in Tuberville’s office and was at the restaurant with one of his staff members when Graham’s call came through. The timing coincided with World Cup matches being broadcast.

Tuberville reflected on Graham’s tireless work ethic and personal sacrifices. “Lindsey basically worked himself to death,” Tuberville said, emphasizing how Graham dedicated himself entirely to public service. “Most of us have families. He didn’t have any family, and if we had a couple of days off, he went to that airport. He went somewhere to try to work out something for our country.”

This tribute captures the essence of a senator who placed his duties above personal comfort, traveling extensively and working long hours without the support of a family to return to. Graham’s colleagues and staff continue to honor his memory through these recollections of his final days and his unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

CNN’s Morgan Rimmer and Ted Barrett contributed to this report.