Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of US President Donald Trump's closest political allies and a veteran lawmaker from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced on Sunday.
In a statement, Graham's office said he passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 11.
"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator 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."
A Republican from South Carolina, Graham had represented the state in the US Senate since 2003 and was regarded as one of the party's most influential voices on foreign policy and national security.
Over more than two decades in the Senate, he played a prominent role in shaping Republican positions on defence and international affairs.
Graham was initially a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential campaign but later emerged as one of the president's staunchest supporters and closest allies in Congress.
He frequently backed the Trump administration on major domestic and foreign policy issues, becoming one of the most recognisable Republican figures in Washington.
The senator's family has requested privacy as they mourn his passing.
His death is expected to have significant political implications for the Republican Party and the US Senate, where he remained a senior and influential member.
