Days after graduation, a college student died after consuming a peanut-containing late-night snack.
On social media, Timothy Myles Howard’s distraught mother revealed that her 22-year-old son had passed away on May 24 following a severe anaphylactic response.
According to Timothy Howard’s parents, Patty and Tim, the tragedy occurred when Timothy consumed a snack tainted with the allergy. They did not specify the type of snack.
“He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn’t breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,” Tim Howard told NBC affiliate 10WJAR.
It was too late when Timothy’s parents called 911 and gave him his EpiPen.
“The reaction was too far gone,” his father said.
Eight days after posting family photos of her son’s graduation from the University of Rhode Island, Patty posted on Facebook to announce his passing.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,” Patty wrote on the day her son passed away.
“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 apart of.”
“Please hug your children a little tighter today, don’t sweat the small stuff and spread kindness to this world.”
“His college frat brothers have started a in loving memory fundraiser page to spread education, food allergy awareness and advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options.”
Howard, who hails from Southborough, Massachusetts, graduated from the University of Rhode Island on May 16 with a degree in Communications Studies.
In his honour, his family has started a fundraiser, with the money raised going to the Food Allergy Research and Education group.
“Let’s spread awareness on food allergies and on advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment,” the fundraiser reads.
Additionally, the page urges visitors to think about donating their organs, as Timothy did.
“Keep spreading kindness, love to others and keep dancing!” the fundraiser reads.
“Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life,” the page also adds.
“He was driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him.”
“He had so much ahead of him, and he approached life with a rare kind of kindness and light. He was the person you could always count on to listen—really listen.”
“He never judged, never interrupted, and always made you feel like what you had to say mattered.”
“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.”
“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.”
His positivity was quiet but powerful, and his heart was as genuine as they come. He truly was one of the good ones—gentle, thoughtful, and full of love for others.”
“His unexpected passing has left a profound void, but we are committed to honoring his memory in a way that brings purpose and change.”
Over $27,500 has been raised so far via the page.