Just days after proudly walking across the graduation stage, 22-year-old Timothy Myles Howard rushed into his parents’ bedroom in the middle of the night, gasping for air.
“I can’t breathe” were his final words before collapsing in front of the people who loved him most.
The recent University of Rhode Island grad had unknowingly eaten a peanut-contaminated snack, triggering a severe anaphylactic reaction. Despite his parents’ desperate efforts and multiple EpiPens, it was too late.
He ate a late-night snack that was unknowingly contaminated with peanuts. His parents believe it was likely a candy bar or similar item that had come in contact with peanuts despite not listing peanuts as an ingredient. It was this hidden peanut exposure that triggered the fatal anaphylactic reaction.
“He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him”
The heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on May 24, just days after Timothy celebrated one of the biggest milestones of his life. His mother, Patty Howard, shared the devastating news on Facebook alongside graduation photos and a powerful message:
“It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy… He had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be a part of.”
His father, Tim Howard, told NBC’s WJAR that the reaction “unfolded very quickly” and was far too advanced to stop in time. They don’t know how many times he’d had the snack before. But that night was the first it became deadly.
From Grief to Action: “Let’s Spread Awareness”
Timothy’s fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Psi wasted no time honoring his legacy. They launched a fundraiser to support food allergy awareness and anaphylaxis research. And it quickly surpassed its $25,000 goal, raising over $27,600 from more than 620 donors.
“Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life,” the page reads. “He was driven, kind, and deeply loved… He never judged, never interrupted, and always made you feel like what you had to say mattered.”
The fundraiser also urged others to consider becoming organ donors, just as Timothy was. His family is hoping to turn unimaginable loss into purpose. They wish to encourage others to double-check labels, understand the risks of hidden allergens, and advocate for clearer packaging.
“Keep Spreading Kindness… And Keep Dancing”
Patty and daughter Julia, who also lives with food allergies, are now speaking out to prevent other families from going through the same.
“Read every label. Really look at the ingredients,” Patty said.
“For companies… knowing what’s in your food and what consumers need to know — that’s so important,” Julia added.
The tribute page closed with a message that perfectly captured Timothy’s spirit:
“Keep spreading kindness, love to others, and keep dancing.”
