Doug Flutie lost both of his parents on Wednesday. (USATSI)
Doug Flutie lost both of his parents on Wednesday. (USATSI)

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie tragically lost both of his parents on Wednesday in deaths that happened just one hour apart, according to Flutie.

Flutie had spent Wednesday morning in a hospital to be with his ailing father. In a statement, the former Bills and Patriots quarterback said that his dad passed away from a heart attack and then just one hour later, the same thing happened to his mom.

"This morning my family experienced the tragic loss of my father, Dick and mother, Joan," Flutie said. "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."

Flutie's parents had been married for 56 years and had four children, including Doug, who's now 53.

"I would like to honor my parents for all that they did throughout my and my brothers' and sister's lives," Flutie said. "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 Buffalo Bills also released a statement. Flutie spent three of his 12 years in the NFL with the Bills and was the team's starting quarterback in 1999, the last time that Buffalo made the playoffs.

"Everyone within the Buffalo Bills organization was deeply saddened today to hear the news of the passing of Doug Flutie's parents," the team said. "Doug remains one of the most beloved figures in our franchise's history and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Doug and his entire family during this most difficult time."

Boston College also tweeted out its condolences.

While playing for the school in 1984, Flutie famously threw a Hail Mary to beat Miami 47-45. He then went on to win the Heisman Trophy that same season, the first for Boston College.