South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has died at 71 after what his office described as a brief, sudden illness.

In a statement released early Sunday, the office said Graham died Saturday evening.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement said.

No additional details about the illness or cause of death were immediately released.

A native of Central, South Carolina, Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003. Before that, he represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House for four terms. He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but ended his campaign before the first primary contests.

Graham’s death leaves a vacancy in South Carolina’s U.S. Senate delegation. As of early Sunday, funeral arrangements and plans to fill the seat had not been announced.