Doug Flutie's Parents Die on Same Day

Doug Flutie’s father Richard and his mother Joan died Wednesday morning.

Doug Flutie posted this message on his Facebook page around 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday:

“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 was a star at Natick High School (from which he graduated), followed by Boston College and the NFL, playing for the Bills, Chargers and Patriots.

His Foundation, named after his son, raises millions for Autism, and is based in Framingham,