Ex-Boston College, NFL QB Doug Flutie loses both parents on same day, says mom died of a ‘broken heart'

Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie looks to throw game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y., in this Oct. 29, 2000 photo. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) (2000 AP)

Former New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie said that both of his parents died Wednesday in Florida within an hour of each other, the Boston Herald reported.

The NFL veteran made the announcement via Facebook, writing that his father Dick, and mother, Joan, both suffered fatal heart attacks, and died "less than an hour" apart.

Flutie wrote on Facebook: ''They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it.''

"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," Flutie's Facebook post read.

"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 1984 Heisman trophy winner wrote.

Flutie called them ''incredible parents and grandparents'' who had been married for 56 years.

"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," he wrote.

Read the full Facebook post below:

"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."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.