Former NFL Quarterback Says Both His Parents Have Died of Heart Attacks Within Hour of Each Other

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie announced on Facebook that both of his parents had died Wednesday from heart attacks which occurred within one hour of each other.

Quarterback Doug Flutie #7 of the San Diego Chargers calls out the play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on January 2, 2004 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

"It is with a heavy heart that I am making this statement. This morning my family experienced the tragic loss of my father, Dick and mother, Joan. My Dad had been ill and died of a heart attack in the hospital and my Mom, less than an hour later had a sudden heart attack and passed away," he wrote.

Flutie added, "They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it."

Dick and Joan Flutie. (Image source: Doug Futie / Facebook)

The former professional football player, known widely for his 1984 "Hail Mary" touchdown pass in college against Miami, thanks his parents for everything they did for him.

"I would like to honor my parents for all that they did throughout my and my brothers’ and sister’s lives. My parents were always there for their children, from the days my Dad coached us as kids and my Mom would work the concession stands, through to this morning," he wrote. "The most important part of their 56 years of marriage was providing opportunities to their children. They were incredible parents and Grandparents and my family and I will miss them both. On behalf of me and the entire Flutie family, I would like to thank you all for your well wishes and prayers during this difficult time."

Flutie retired from the NFL in 2006, later serving as a sports analyst for ESPN and NBC.

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