Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Doug Flutie lost both of his parents on the same day – less than an hour apart.

According to Flutie, his father Dick, who had been ill, had a heart attack. Soon after, his mother Joan also had a heart attack.

Flutie says he’s sure his mother died of a broken heart. His parents had been married for 56 years.

“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,” Flutie wrote on his Facebook page.

“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.”

Condolences go out to Doug Flutie and his family.