Graham's preliminary cause of death has been revealed

According to medical examiners and an official statement from the politician's representatives, the cause of death was aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the Associated Press reports.

The official cause of death will be announced after toxicology and microscopic examinations are completed.

US President Donald Trump called Graham a member of his family and said he was deeply saddened by his death.

Trump said Graham called him Saturday evening after returning from Ukraine. He said the senator sounded a little tired, but quite normal.

Photo: OP.