Days After Graduation, 22-Year-Old Dies from Severe Allergic Reaction to Peanut-Contaminated Snack
Just days after celebrating his college graduation, 22-year-old Timothy Myles Howard tragically passed away from a severe allergic reaction to a peanut-contaminated late-night snack.
Timothy, a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island, died on May 24 after going into anaphylactic shock, his heartbroken mother shared on social media.
“He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn’t breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,” his father, Tim Howard, told NBC affiliate 10WJAR.
Despite administering an EpiPen and calling 911, it was already too late. “The reaction was too far gone,” his father said.
The family did not disclose what kind of snack triggered the reaction. Just eight days before, Timothy’s mother, Patty, had posted joyful graduation photos. Days later, she returned to Facebook to share the unthinkable news of her son’s sudden death.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken, and we’ve now joined a club no one wants to be a part of.”
She urged others to embrace life’s small moments:
“Please hug your children a little tighter today, don’t sweat the small stuff, and spread kindness to this world.”
Timothy had just graduated from the University of Rhode Island on May 16 with a degree in Communication Studies. Described as kind, grounded, and deeply empathetic, he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
In his memory, Timothy’s fraternity brothers and family launched a fundraiser benefiting Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The campaign seeks to raise awareness, fund anaphylaxis research, and improve treatment options. It also encourages organ donation—something Timothy himself had chosen to do.
The tribute page reads:
“Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life. He was driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him.”
“He had a rare kind of kindness and light. He listened without judgment, made people feel safe, and always sought the good in others—even during hard times.”
The message closes with a call to action in his spirit:
“Keep spreading kindness, love to others, and keep dancing.”
“His positivity was quiet but powerful, and his heart was as genuine as they come,” read a message from the tribute fundraiser. “He truly was one of the good ones—gentle, thoughtful, and full of love for others.”
“Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life. He listened without judgment, brought calm wherever he went, and always looked for the good in people. His unexpected passing has left a profound void, but we are committed to honoring his memory in a way that brings purpose and change.”
In his honor, his fraternity brothers and family launched a fundraiser to support Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The campaign aims to raise awareness, advance anaphylaxis research, and promote treatment innovations. It also advocates for organ donation—something Timothy had chosen for himself.
To date, more than $27,500 has been raised in his memory.
The fundraiser closes with a message that encapsulates Timmy’s spirit:
“Keep spreading kindness, love to others, and keep dancing.”
