Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has said he received two calls from unnamed agencies indicating that Senator Mitch McConnell had died while in hospital, though McConnell is alive. The claim adds to weeks of speculation among lawmakers and the public about the veteran Republican senator's health, following visible health scares in recent months that have prompted colleagues to publicly question his fitness for office.

Beshear, a Democrat, made the remarks during an interview with Katie Couric, posted to YouTube on Thursday, but did not name which agencies contacted him or provide further detail on the circumstances. The report comes amid a wider split among Senate Republicans, with Senator Tommy Tuberville pressing for clarity on McConnell's health ahead of key votes, while Senator John Kennedy has dismissed the speculation and urged colleagues to "leave Mitch alone."