Doug Flutie’s parents died within an hour of each other on Wednesday morning, the Heisman Trophy winner wrote on his Facebook page. Both of his parents resided in Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am making this statement,” Flutie wrote. “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.”
“All of us at Florida Tech are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Doug Flutie’s parents, Dick and Joan,” Florida Tech President and CEO, Anthony J. Catanese, said in statement. “The Flutie family’s winning attitude and positive spirit are well-known in our community, and we are particularly grateful to call them members of the Florida Tech family. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the entire Flutie family during this difficult time.”
