A recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Timothy Howard, tragically passed away on May 24 due to a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. The 22-year-old communication studies major had just celebrated his graduation days before the incident. His mother, Patty Howard, expressed her grief and shock in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating that the family was grappling with the sudden loss of their son.
Timothy’s father, Tim Howard, revealed that the fatal allergic reaction occurred after Timothy consumed a late-night snack unknowingly contaminated with peanuts. Despite the immediate administration of multiple EpiPens, the reaction had progressed too far to be reversed. The family remains uncertain about the quantity of the contaminated snack Timothy consumed.
Timothy’s fraternity brothers at Phi Kappa Psi have initiated a fundraiser in his memory for the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization. The fraternity aims to prevent similar tragedies from occurring to other families. The fundraiser has already exceeded its goal of $25,000.
Timothy, a native of Southborough, Massachusetts, was remembered by his fraternity brothers as a “driven, kind, and deeply loved” individual. His obituary described him as a “genuinely kind-hearted, humble, loving and empathetic soul” with a passion for sports. He was particularly fond of spending time with his high school friends, cousins, and fraternity brothers at the University of Rhode Island.
A memorial service was held for Timothy on May 30 in Brewster, Massachusetts. He is survived by his parents, sister, grandmother, and extended family. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of food allergies and the importance of awareness and education in preventing such tragedies.