Doug Flutie’s parents die within an hour of each other

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie announced Wednesday that his parents, Dick and Joan, died within an hour of each other Wednesday morning.

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie announced Wednesday that his parents, Dick and Joan, died within an hour of each other Wednesday morning.

Flutie’s father “had been ill” and died of a heart attack while in the hospital, Flutie said. His mother had a heart attack “less than an hour later,” Flutie said. 

“They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it,” wrote on Facebook.

Flutie, 53, played college football at Boston College and won the Heisman Trophy in 1984. That same year, he led BC to a win over Miami with a famous Hail Mary pass. He played 21 pro seasons in the USFL, CFL and NFL, and is currently a commentator for NBC’s Notre Dame coverage.

- Dan Gartland