Doug Flutie is sadly mourning the loss of both his parents today.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the former NFL star, 53, revealed his mother, Joan Flutie, and father, Dick Flutie, died of heart attacks just one hour apart on the same day.

“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,” Doug wrote on his Facebook page.

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“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,” he continued.

doug flutie

Doug in November 1998.

“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,” Doug wrote.

Joan and Dick Flutie are survived by their son Doug, three other children and several grandchildren.