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

A college student tragically died just days after graduating due to a severe allergic reaction to peanuts.

Timothy Myles Howard, 22, passed away on May 24 after unknowingly eating a late-night snack contaminated with peanuts. His parents, Tim and Patty Howard, shared that he woke them up struggling to breathe, but despite using his EpiPen and calling 911, it was too late.

“It happened very fast,” his father told NBC affiliate 10WJAR. “The reaction was too far gone.”

Patty confirmed Timothy’s passing on Facebook, just eight days after posting photos of his graduation from the University of Rhode Island. “He had his entire life ahead of him,” she wrote. “We recently celebrated his graduation. Our hearts are broken.”

Timothy, from Southborough, Massachusetts, earned a degree in Communication Studies on May 16. In his memory, his college fraternity brothers launched a fundraiser to support Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), raising over \$27,500 so far.

The fundraiser also encourages organ donation—something Timothy had chosen to do. “Keep dancing and spreading love and kindness,” the page says, honoring his generous spirit.

Loved ones described Timothy as gentle, thoughtful, and deeply kind. “He never interrupted, never judged, and always made people feel heard,” the tribute reads. “He was one of the good ones.”

Despite his sudden loss, his family is committed to honoring his life by raising awareness and advancing food allergy research. “Even in grief, we want to bring purpose and change,” they said.