Cause of Death and Final Diagnosis
John McCain died from complications of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, on August 25, 2018, at age 81. His family confirmed the cause through a public statement released by his office in Arizona. The glioblastoma diagnosis was first disclosed in July 2017 after a procedure to remove a blood clot above his left eye revealed the tumor. Medical records and public updates cited the disease as the primary cause of death, with no other major health conditions listed as contributing factors in the final official statement.
The glioblastoma diagnosis followed a routine procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where doctors discovered the malignant tumor during evaluation of the blood clot. According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is a fast-growing brain cancer with a median survival rate of 12 to 15 months for patients receiving standard treatment. McCain's medical team at the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic followed established protocols for tumor treatment, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Timeline of Health Decline and Public Announcements
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment Phase
McCain's glioblastoma diagnosis was announced on July 14, 2017, when his office released a statement confirming the tumor removal surgery at Walter Reed. Public records show he underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following the initial surgery. The treatment timeline was documented in official statements from his Senate office and family representatives, with updates issued at regular intervals.
In December 2017, McCain's office disclosed that his glioblastoma had not responded to standard treatment and that he would begin a new round of therapy. Public filings and Senate records show he continued to work intermittently during this period, with his attendance and committee participation declining as his condition progressed. The final public appearance and statement were issued by his family in August 2018, confirming his death at his home in Cornville, Arizona.
Official Records and Public Statements
Family and Senate Statements
The official announcement of John McCain's death was released by his family on August 25, 2018, and simultaneously by the office of the Arizona senator. The statement cited glioblastoma as the cause of death and confirmed he passed away at his home in Cornville, Arizona, surrounded by family. The Senate recorded his death in the Congressional Record, and flags at the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings were ordered to half-staff in accordance with protocol.
Public records from the Arizona Secretary of State's office and the U.S. Senate historical records confirm the date and circumstances of his death. The family statement, released through a spokesperson and posted on official channels, thanked medical teams at Walter Reed and Mayo Clinic for their care. The statement also referenced McCain's military service, Senate career, and family, and requested privacy during the mourning period. Additional details and tributes were posted by the McCain Institute and the family's official communication channels, as documented on their verified public pages Forbes and SEC.