College Graduate Dies from Severe Peanut Allergy Reaction Days After Graduation

College student Timothy Myles Howard (pictured on his graduation day on May 17) has died after eating a late-night snack, his devastated parents have announced via social media

A 22-year-old recent college graduate, Timothy Myles Howard, tragically died on May 24 after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts, just eight days after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. The fatal incident occurred at his family’s home in Southborough, Massachusetts.

Timothy had unknowingly consumed a snack that was contaminated with peanuts. His parents, Patty and Tim Howard, said the specific snack has not been identified. Shortly after eating the item, Timothy alerted them that he was having trouble breathing.

Howard, 22, died on May 24 after suffering a severe reaction to peanuts, his mother announced on social media. (Pictured: Howard with his parents on his graduation day on May 17)

“He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn't breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,” said his father, Tim Howard. Despite immediate use of an EpiPen and a call to 911, the reaction had already progressed too far. “The reaction was too far gone,” he added.

The devastating loss came just days after the family had celebrated Timothy’s graduation. He earned a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Rhode Island on May 16. His mother, Patty, announced the heartbreaking news on social media the day her son passed away.

Howard's family had celebrated his graduation from the University of Rhode Island (shown above) just eight days before he died from eating the contaminated snack

“It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,” she wrote. “We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be part of. Please hug your children a little tighter today, don't sweat the small stuff and spread kindness to this world.”

In honor of his memory, Timothy’s fraternity brothers and family have launched a fundraiser to raise awareness for food allergies and support anaphylaxis research and treatment. The funds will go toward the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization. The campaign has already raised over $27,500.

His parents Patty and Tim Howard said the horror unfolded after the recent graduate (pictured) ate a snack containing nuts. They did not say what the snack was

The fundraiser describes Timothy as “driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him.” It highlights his character: a thoughtful listener, a calm presence, and a beacon of hope and kindness to others.

“Timmy had a way of making everyone around him feel safe and seen. He had a warm, calm presence that made people feel better just by being near him,” the tribute reads. “He didn’t complain, even when things were hard. He always looked for the good in people and held on to hope when others couldn’t.”

Timothy was also an organ donor, and the fundraiser encourages others to consider registering as donors. His family and supporters are committed to honoring his legacy by spreading awareness and advocating for life-saving research.