University Of Rhode Island Graduate, 22, Dies Hours After Eating Peanut-Contaminated Snack

Just days after celebrating one of life’s proudest moments, a University of Rhode Island graduate tragically lost his life to a severe allergic reaction. Twenty-two-year-old Timothy Myles Howard passed away on May 24, only hours after unknowingly consuming a peanut-contaminated snack late at night. The specific type of snack has not been disclosed, but the consequences were immediate and devastating.

According to his grieving parents, Tim and Patty Howard, the reaction began swiftly. Timothy woke them up in distress, struggling to breathe. His parents rushed to administer his EpiPen and dialed 911, but it was already too late. “The reaction was too far gone,” his father shared in an emotional interview with NBC affiliate 10WJAR. “It happened so fast.”

Just eight days earlier, Timothy had proudly walked across the stage at the University of Rhode Island, earning his degree in Communication Studies. A celebration filled with hope and excitement for his future turned into an unimaginable tragedy within days.

His mother, Patty, who had previously shared joyful graduation photos of her son, posted the heartbreaking news of his passing on social media. “We are devastated to share that our beautiful son Timmy died from a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,” she wrote. “He had his whole life ahead of him. We’re now part of a club no parent ever wants to join.”

In her message, Patty urged others to hug their children tighter, let go of small grievances, and lead with kindness. She expressed hope that awareness of food allergies—and their potentially fatal consequences—will grow through Timothy’s story.

To honor his memory, Timothy’s fraternity brothers have launched a fundraiser dedicated to food allergy awareness and research. Proceeds will go to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), a leading organization committed to improving the lives of people living with food allergies. The tribute reads, “Let’s raise awareness, support research, and advance treatment options for anaphylaxis.” It also encourages people to consider becoming organ donors, just as Timothy had chosen to do.

Timothy was born and raised in Southborough, Massachusetts. He was known for his gentle spirit, warmth, and the genuine kindness he extended to everyone he met. Family and friends described him as someone who listened deeply, never interrupted, never judged, and made everyone around him feel seen and safe.

He carried a quiet optimism that never faded, even during life’s tougher moments. He was dependable, compassionate, and sincere. His calming presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

“Timmy had just begun what promised to be a remarkable life,” the fundraiser reads. “He had so much ahead of him. He was someone you could count on for support, encouragement, and a kind word. Even in the face of hardship, he never complained. He always chose hope.”

As his family and friends navigate this unimaginable loss, they are determined to turn grief into purpose. Their mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of severe food allergies and to push for better education, resources, and treatment options that could save lives in the future.

The memorial fundraiser has already raised more than $27,500—a testament to the love people had for Timothy and the desire to make sure his death was not in vain.

His story is a sobering reminder that food allergies are not minor inconveniences. For many, they are life-threatening medical conditions. Timothy’s passing highlights the critical importance of accurate labeling, increased allergy education, and rapid emergency response.

Though his life was cut tragically short, Timothy Myles Howard’s impact continues to grow. His memory now fuels a movement—one filled with compassion, awareness, and the hope that no other family will have to endure what his did.