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Doug Flutie’s father, mother both die of heart attack on same day

Posted at 4:49 PM, Nov 18, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-18 16:49:34-05

BOSTON — Doug Flutie, who played football at Boston College and in the NFL, lost both of his parents on Wednesday.

Flutie’s father, Richard, “had been ill” and died of a heart attack in the hospital on Wednesday. Flutie’s mother, Joan, died “less than an hour later” after she also suffered a heart attack.

Flutie posted a statement on his Facebook page:

“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, 53, won the Heisman Trophy in college. He played for several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Chicago Bears. He has been working in the broadcast booth for Notre Dame football.