US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71. The Republican representative from South Carolina died suddenly on Saturday, July 11, following a brief and unexpected illness, as confirmed by his office.

Emergency services responded to a call of cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill residence on Saturday night, with paramedics, police cars, and firefighters seen at the scene, according to NBC News.

Senator Graham had returned to the US from Ukraine on Friday after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. His family has requested privacy and prayers during this difficult time.

The sad news comes as he was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet The Press the following day. Graham had served in the House for 30 years before being elected to the Senate in 2002. He was preparing for re-election this year and was known as a loyal supporter of President Trump.