Doug Flutie's Parents Die within an Hour of One Another

The death of the mother of a Heisman Trophy winner is being blamed on a broken heart.Dick Flutie, father of former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, died at the hospital after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday, November 19, 2015. Less than an hour later Dick's wife and Doug's mother, Joan Flutie had a sudden heart attack and passed away.

Flutie took too Facebook to make the announcement, saying that his parents had been married for 56 years. His statement reads as follows:

"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. They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it. 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. 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, who grew up in Massachusetts and played for Boston College, played for the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and the San Diego Chargers before retiring from the NFL in 2005.